NERVE GROWTH-FACTOR AND P75(NGFR) FACTOR-RECEPTOR MESSENGER-RNA CHANGE IN RODENT CNS FOLLOWING STRESS ACTIVATION OF THE HYPOTHALAMO-PITUITARY-ADRENOCORTICAL AXIS

The synthesis of nerve growth factor (NGF) by the hippocampus raises t he possibility that NGF may play a role in the regulation of the hypot halamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPAA). Subchronic cold stress has been shown to activate the HPAA in a mild noninvasive manner, to stimulate serum glucocorticoid levels, and to perturb NGF binding in hippocampu s and basal forebrain. One or repeated episodes of cold stress increas ed NGF mRNA levels in the hippocampus and p75NGFR mRNA levels in the b asal forebrain. These changes were not due to elevated serum glucocort icoid levels since treatment with exogenous corticosterone had no effe ct on NGF and p75NGFR mRNA levels. Adrenalectomy did not prevent the s tress induced increases in NGF and p75NGFR mRNA. (C) 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.