Cardiotrophin-1, a cytokine present in embryonic muscle, supports long- term survival of spinal motoneurons

D. Pennica, V. Arce, T. A. Swanson, R. Vejsada, R. A. Pollock, M. Armanini, K. Dudley, H. S. Phillips, A. Rosenthal, A. C. Kato, C. E. Henderson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

186 Scopus citations

Abstract

The muscle-derived factors required for survival of embryonic motoneurons are not clearly identified. Cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1), a cytokine related to ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), is expressed at high levels in embryonic limb bud and is secreted by differentiated myotubes. In vitro, CT- 1 kept 43% of purified E14 rat motoneurons alive for 2 weeks (EC50 = 20 pM). In vivo, CT-1 protected neonatal sciatic motoneurons against the effects of axotomy. CT-1 action on motoneurons was inhibited by phosphatidylinositol- specific phospholipase C (PIPLC), suggesting that CT-1 may act through a GPI- linked component. Since no binding of CT-1 to CNTFRα was detected, CT-1 may use a novel cytokine receptor α subunit. CT-1 may be important in normal motoneuron development and as a potential tool for slowing motoneuron degeneration in human diseases.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)63-74
Number of pages12
JournalNeuron
Volume17
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 1996
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience

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