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Potentiation of developing neuromuscular synapses by the neurotrophins NT-3 and BDNF

Nature volume 363, pages 350–353 (1993)Cite this article

Abstract

THE neurotrophins are a family of neurotrophic factors that promote survival and differentiation of various neuronal populations1,2. Although the long-term effects of neurotrophins on neuronal survival and differentiation have been intensively studied, nothing is known about their effects on synaptic function. Here we report that acute exposure to neurotrophin-3 (NT-3)3,4 or brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)5, but not nerve growth factor (NGF)6, rapidly potentiates the spontaneous and impulse-evoked synaptic activity of developing neuromuscular synapses in culture. The effect appears to be presynaptic in origin and to be mediated by the Trk family of receptor tyrosine kinases7. These results provide evidence for the regulation of the function of developing synapses by neurotrophins.

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Author notes

  1. Nancy Y. Ip: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., Tarrytown, New York 10591, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, New York, 10027, USA

    Ann M. Lohof, Nancy Y. Ip & Mu-ming Poo

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  1. Ann M. Lohof
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  2. Nancy Y. Ip
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  3. Mu-ming Poo
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Lohof, A., Ip, N. & Poo, Mm. Potentiation of developing neuromuscular synapses by the neurotrophins NT-3 and BDNF. Nature 363, 350–353 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1038/363350a0

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