A “calcium set-point hypothesis” of neuronal dependence on neurotrophic factor

EM Johnson Jr, T Koike, J Franklin - Experimental neurology, 1992 - Elsevier
EM Johnson Jr, T Koike, J Franklin
Experimental neurology, 1992Elsevier
In this commentary, we discuss evidence suggesting that cytoplasmic free calcium
concentration determines neurotrophic factor dependence. Developing sympathetic and
neural crest-derived sensory neurons require nerve growth factor (NGF) for survival both in
vivo and in vitro. Chronic depolarization of these cells in culture causes a modest sustained
elevation of cytoplasmic calcium concentration and promotes their survival in the absence of
NGF. The amount of calcium increase caused by depolarization is closely correlated with the …
Abstract
In this commentary, we discuss evidence suggesting that cytoplasmic free calcium concentration determines neurotrophic factor dependence. Developing sympathetic and neural crest-derived sensory neurons require nerve growth factor (NGF) for survival both in vivo and in vitro. Chronic depolarization of these cells in culture causes a modest sustained elevation of cytoplasmic calcium concentration and promotes their survival in the absence of NGF. The amount of calcium increase caused by depolarization is closely correlated with the ability of the cells to survive in NGF-free medium. At an optimal calcium concentration, that we refer to as a “set point,” survival is equivalent to that of cells grown in the presence of NGF.
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