Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptors in the developing mouse optic pathway

• Published in: Visual neuroscience 1994-01, Vol.11 (1), p.33-40
• Main Authors: Hutchins, James B., Zhang, Xiaorong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Biological and medical sciences; Blotting, Western; Brain - embryology; Brain - metabolism; Embryonic and Fetal Development; Eye and associated structures. Visual pathways and centers. Vision; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Optic chiasm; Optic Chiasm - embryology; Optic Chiasm - metabolism; Optic nerve; Optic Nerve - embryology; Optic Nerve - metabolism; Platelet-Derived Growth Factor - metabolism; Proto-oncogenes; Receptors, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor - metabolism; Retina; Retinal Ganglion Cells - metabolism; Tyrosine kinases; Vertebrates: nervous system and sense organs; Visual Pathways - metabolism
• ISSN: 0952-5238; 1469-8714
• DOI: 10.1017/S0952523800011081

The molecules which control the patterns of cell division, growth, and precise interconnections characteristic of the central nervous system still remain largely unidentified. The protein platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) has been shown to mediate interactions among glial cells in vitro. More recent evidence has indicated that PDGF may also be involved in controlling communication between neurons and glial cells and among neurons. The presence of receptors for PDGF on neurons of the developing nervous system is an essential piece of evidence in this chain of events. Ganglion cells are labeled with antibodies to PDGF receptor only during the period of active process outgrowth. These findings suggest that PDGF is used as a mediator of intercellular signaling during neuronal development.