DEVELOPMENTAL NEUROTROPHIN EXPRESSION IN SLICE CULTURES OF RAT HIPPOCAMPUS

Using reverse transcription in combination with the polymerase chain r eaction, the developmental expression of neurotrophins in organotypic slice cultures of rat hippocampus was investigated. Nerve growth facto r (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA levels after different time periods in vitro were compared with equivalent develop mental stages in vivo. Our results show that neurotrophin expression o ccurs in hippocampal slice cultures with a similar time course as obse rved in the developing hippocampus in vivo. Thus, the development of n eurotrophin expression in the hippocampus does not seem to be dependen t on specific extrinsic afferents.