PDGF-ALPHA, RECEPTOR IS EXPRESSED BY MATURE NEURONS OF THE CENTRAL-NERVOUS-SYSTEM

THE platelet-derived growth factors (PDGF) are constitutively expresse d by neurones in the central nervous system (CNS). The synthesis of th e PDGF-alpha-receptor (PDGF-alpha R) is commonly attributed to oligode ndrocyte precursors during late embryonic and early postnatal developm ent, suggesting communication between neurones and glia which orchestr ates amplification and final targeting of the myelinating cells. Howev er PDGF A production persists when central myelination is achieved, wh ich suggests that PDGF-alpha R are present in the adult CNS. In this s tudy, we demonstrate the production of PDGF-alpha R transcripts and pr otein by various neuronal populations of the adult CNS. We propose a d evelopmental shift, where glial cells and neurones are consecutive tar gets of PDGF A and neuromodulatory effects of PDGF, exerted on mature neurones via the expression of the PDGF-alpha R.