NGF-response of EGF-dependent progenitor cells obtained from human sympathetic ganglia

SIGNALLING molecules are thought to play a significant role in
determining the fate of neural crest progenitor cells. The human
sympathetic chain was identified at 6.5, 7.5, 8.2, 10.2 and 11.4
postconception (PC) weeks demonstrating low affinity nerve growth
factor (NGF) receptors, and was processed for tissue culture. In
the presence of epidermal growth factor (EGF), floating spheres of
proliferating progenitor cells were developed in vitro. In the
absence of EGF progenitor cells differentiated into tyrosine
hydroxylase (TH)-immunoreactive neuronal and TH-negative flat
cells. NGF treatment significantly increased neurite outgrowth and
survival of TH-immunoreactive cells. The multipotent cells we
isolated differ from previously reported sympathoadrenal
progenitors in that they give rise to TH immunoreactive neurones
precociously sensitive to NGF.