PLATELET-DERIVED GROWTH-FACTOR RECEPTORS OF MOUSE CENTRAL-NERVOUS-SYSTEM CELLS IN-VITRO

This study evaluates the distribution of receptors for platelet-derive d growth factor (PDGF) on central nervous cells maintained in vitro us ing colloidal gold-labeled immunocytochemical markers at the electron microscopic level. Platelet-derived growth factor receptors were found to be sparsely distributed over the surface of type 1 astrocytes, app arent type 2 astrocytes, and neurons. Receptors appeared to be prefere ntially associated with filopodia-like extensions of the cell membrane . The existence of functional receptors was confirmed using the imperm eant, water-soluble affinity cross-linking agent bis(sulfosuccinimidyl )suberate to covalently link radiolabeled PDGF to its receptor. The PD GF/receptor complexes could also be immunoprecipitated with the same a ntibody used in immunocytochemical experiments. The improved resolutio n of these techniques allows definitive identification of PDGF recepto rs on cultured mammalian central nervous system cells other than oligo dendrocytes. These data expand the range of possible roles of PDGF dur ing nervous system development. Receptors for PDGF are likely to play a key role in the differentiation of cells in the central nervous syst em. (C) 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.