Neuroprotective utility and neurotrophic action of neurturin in postnatal motor neurons: Comparison with GDNF and persephin

Neurturin and persephin are recently discovered homologs of glial cell line -derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). Here, we report that neurturin, like G DNF, increases the choline acetyltransferase activity of normal postnatal m otor neurons, induces neurite outgrowth in spinal cord, and potently protec ts motor neurons from chronic glutamate-mediated degeneration. Persephin, i n contrast, does not appear to have neurotrophic or neurite-promoting effec ts on mature motor neurons and may instead worsen the glutamate injury of m otor neurons. This pattern in the TGF-beta family suggests certain receptor specificities, requiring at least the Ret/GFR alpha-1 receptor complex. Th e results predict potential benefit of neurturin, but not persephin, in the treatment of motor neuron disorders and spinal cord diseases.