The actions and receptor for ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) are la
rgely restricted to cells of the nervous system, although one of the C
NTF receptor components, CNTFR alpha, is expressed by skeletal muscle.
Here we show that the other CNTF receptor components, LIFR beta and g
p130, are also expressed by skeletal muscle and that expression of all
three CNTF receptor components is greatly increased in denervated mus
cle. In vivo, administration of CNTF activates these receptors on skel
etal muscle by inducing receptor phosphorylation and immediate-early g
ene responses. Furthermore, CNTF reduces the denervation-induced atrop
hy of muscle and attenuates the reduced twitch and tetanic tensions th
at result from muscle denervation. Our findings reveal that, in additi
on to its known neurotrophic actions, CNTF exerts myotrophic effects b
y attenuating the morphological and functional changes associated with
denervation of rat skeletal muscle.