EXPRESSION OF MESSENGER-RNAS FOR NEUROTROPHINS (NGF, BDNF, AND NT-3) AND THEIR RECEPTORS (P75(NGFR), TRK, TRKB, AND TRKC) IN HUMAN PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHIES

The steady-slate mRNA levels of NGF, BDNF and NT-3, and the mRNA level s of their receptors p75(NGFR) trk, brkB, and trkC were examined in va rious human peripheral neuropathies, to determine the correlation with myelinated fiber pathology and T cell and macrophage invasions in the diseased nerves. Steady state levels of p75(NGFR) mRNAs were signific antly elevated in nerves with axonal pathology. In contrast, steady st ate levels of trkB and trkC mRNA levels were diminished. trk mRNA was not detected in the human nerves. The NGF, BDNF, and NT-3 mRNA levels were elevated in the diseased nerves. The increase in BDNF and NT-3 mR NA levels were proportional to the extent of invasion of the nerves by T cells and macrophages, but did not directly correlate with axonal n or demyelinating pathology, thus suggesting that inflammatory cell inv asions are involved in the regulation of BDNF and NT-3 mRNA expression s. These neurotrophin and their receptor gene expressions in the disea sed human nerves would be regulated by an underlying pathology-related process, and could play a role in peripheral nerve repair.