Accelerated regenerative neurite formation by a neuronal surface epitope reactive with the monoclonal antibody, Leu 7.

A family of glycoproteins sharing an epitope with myelin associated glycoprotein as recognized by the monoclonal antibody Leu 7 (HNK-1) has been found to be present on neurons grown in culture from embryonic chicks and rats. Immunofluorescent staining demonstrates that, in vitro, 100% of the neurons from dorsal root ganglia and spinal cord from 7-8 day chick embryos react with Leu 7. Analysis of in vitro regenerative neurite formation by neurons on substrates enriched with Leu 7 showed accelerated regenerative process formation under limiting conditions. These results indicate that the Leu 7 epitope on neurons is appropriate for substrate adhesion and promotes rapid process extension.