The effect of nerve growth factor and its antibodies on neurofilament protein expression in primary cultures of sensory and spinal neurons.

An enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay has been used to quantify the binding of an antineurofilament monoclonal antibody, RT97, to primary cultures of embryonic chick dorsal root ganglion and spinal cord tissue. In the case of dorsal root ganglion cells a dose-dependent relationship between nerve growth factor (NGF) concentration and the level of RT97 binding was observed. This response could be antagonised by an anti-serum directed against NGF. In contrast, neither NGF nor the antiserum against NGF influenced the binding of RT97 in primary cultures initiated from chick spinal cord.