Hayase Y, Higashiyama S, Sasahara M, Amano S, Nakagawa T, Taniguchi N, Hazama F
Department of Pathology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Ohtsu, 520-21, Japan.
Brain Res. 1998 Feb 16;784(1-2):163-78. doi: 10.1016/s0006-8993(97)01325-5.
According to a recent report, messenger RNA coding for a member of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family, heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF), is expressed in the central nervous system (CNS). To obtain information about the role of HB-EGF in the brain, we carried out Northern analysis, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemical studies evaluating the distribution and amounts of the growth factor using cDNA HB-EGF probes and an antibody raised against synthetic HB-EGF propeptide. Northern analysis revealed transcripts for HB-EGF in all regions of normal rat brain. Immunohistochemically, HB-EGF was demonstrated extensively in neurons at levels varying according to location. HB-EGF mRNA also was detected in neurons, suggesting that the growth factor is produced in these cells. HB-EGF mRNA and immunoreactivity were also demonstrated in interfascicular oligodendrocytes. These findings suggest that HB-EGF is a physiologic ligand for brain EGF receptors, and is likely to be important in neural function.
根据最近的一份报告，编码表皮生长因子（EGF）家族成员肝素结合表皮生长因子样生长因子（HB-EGF）的信使核糖核酸在中枢神经系统（CNS）中表达。为了获取有关HB-EGF在大脑中作用的信息，我们进行了Northern印迹分析、原位杂交和免疫组织化学研究，使用cDNA HB-EGF探针和针对合成HB-EGF前肽产生的抗体来评估生长因子的分布和含量。Northern印迹分析显示正常大鼠脑的所有区域均有HB-EGF的转录本。免疫组织化学显示，HB-EGF在神经元中广泛存在，其水平因位置而异。在神经元中也检测到了HB-EGF信使核糖核酸，表明这些细胞产生了生长因子。在束间少突胶质细胞中也证实了HB-EGF信使核糖核酸和免疫反应性。这些发现表明，HB-EGF是脑EGF受体的生理配体，可能在神经功能中起重要作用。
