EXPRESSION OF MESSENGER-RNA ENCODING NEUROTROPHIC FACTORS AND ITS REGULATION IN A HYBRID NEURONAL CELL-LINE

In a cultured hybrid neuronal cell line (BIM) which was produced betwe en human neuroblastoma cells (IMR32) and thymidine auxotrophs (B3T) of rat nerve-like cells (B103), the mRNAs encoding ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) and neurotrophins were detected by the polymerase chain reaction method. The conditioned medium of BIM cells enhanced choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity in septal neurons and survival of-ci liary ganglion neurons. The mRNA expression of CNTF and neurotrophins in BIM cells was differently regulated by the stimulation with cAMP, F GF and retinoic acid. These data suggest multiple regulation and colla boration of neurotrophic factors.