Expression of leukemia inhibitory factor receptor mRNA in sensory dorsal root ganglion and spinal motor neurons of the neonatal rat

Previous studies have shown that the application of leukemia inhibitory fac tor to the proximal nerve stump prevents the degeneration of axotomized sen sory neurons in the dorsal root ganglion and motor neurons in the spinal co rd of newborn rats. This study investigated the expression of leukemia inhi bitory factor receptor mRNA in these neurons using in situ hybridization. L eukemia inhibitory factor receptor mRNA was detected both in sensory neuron s within the dorsal root ganglion and motor neurons of the cervical spinal cord. Twenty-four hours after axotomy these neurons continue to express leu kemia inhibitory factor receptor mRNA. This pattern of leukemia inhibitory factor receptor expression provides a mechanism by which endogenous and exo genous leukemia inhibitory factor could act on injured sensory and motor ne urons. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.