EXPRESSION OF HGF AND CMET IN THE DEVELOPING AND ADULT BRAIN

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) was recently recognized as a potential neurotrophic factor in the developing brain. We studied expression of HGF and its receptor using Northern blot analysis and in situ hybridiz ation for mRNA and double immunofluorescent laser confocal microscopy. HGF and cMet messages were abundant in the hippocampus of both human and rat brains. in this region, both messages were localized in the ne uronal layer. Segregation of HGF predominantly in the hippocampal CA3- 4 and cMet in CA1 supports the hypothesis that HGF may mediate importa nt neurotrophic functions in both developing and adult brains. (C) 199 7 Elsevier Science B.V.