Dorsal root ganglia and nerve growth factor: A model for understanding the mechanism of GM1 effects on neuronal repair

Abstract

The experimental strategy of adding monosialoganglioside GM₁ to a culture medium of fetal chick dorsal root ganglia (DRG) was utilized as a model system in which to examine the potential role of GM₁ in modulation of neuronal cell responsiveness to nerve growth factor (NGF). Data indicate that the addition of GM₁ to DRG explants or to DRG dissociated neuronal cells in culture enhances NGF‐induced neurite outgrowth, neurite complexity, and neuronal cell survival following NGF withdrawal. The GM₁ molecule apparently facilitates the acquisition or maintenance of the NGF‐induced specific neuronal properties. Results are consistent with the hypothesis that the presence of GM₁ molecules on the neuronal cell surface, either endogenous or following stable insertion of exogenous molecules, plays a prominent role in the modulation of functional neuronal cell behavior in response to varying neuronotrophic signals. This may prove to be relevant for the comprehension of GM₁ effects on the facilitation of central nervous system repair processes.