Neuron localization and neuroblastoma cell expression of brain-derived growth factor.

Bovine brain-derived growth factor (BDGF) is a approximately 16-17 kD polypeptide mitogen with a broad spectrum of cell specificity. Using a highly specific mouse polyclonal anti-BDGF antiserum for indirect immunoperoxidase and immunofluorescent stainings, BDGF was found to be specifically localized in the neurons of bovine brain cortex. The indirect immunofluorescent staining was blocked by the presence of excess purified BDGF. Human neuroblastoma cells showed cytoplasmic staining with anti-BDGF antiserum. The cell lysates of neuroblastoma cells elicited a BDGF-like activity which could be completely inhibited by preincubation with anti-BDGF antiserum.