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Nasal embryonic LHRH factor (NELF) expression within the CNS and PNS of the rodent☆

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Abstract

A novel protein (NELF) was identified screening embryonic luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) neurons at different migrational states. Experiments in vitro revealed that NELF functions in olfactory axon outgrowth and subsequently alters LHRH neuronal migration. NELF was not restricted to LHRH neurons in the developing rodent. Multiple CNS and PNS tissues expressed this gene. To characterize the specific regions that express NELF in situ hybridization histochemistry was performed. Within the CNS, cells in the cortex, hippocampus, thalamus and olfactory regions express NELF pre- and postnatally.

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Results

Luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) neuroendocrine cells are essential for vertebrate reproductive function [1]. In all species examined to date, LHRH cells originate outside the CNS and migrate on axons from nasal regions into the forebrain during prenatal development [12]. Disruption of contact of olfactory axons with the olfactory bulb, such as occurs in Kallmann syndrome [5], is associated with reproductive dysfunction and disruption of movement of LHRH neurons into the CNS. A

In situ hybridization histochemistry

In situ hybridization was performed as previously described [11] using a synthetic deoxynucleotide against NELF mRNA. The 50 base nucleotide probe (5 pmol), complementary to NELF (5-CTAAGGGATATCGTACATTGTTCAGTGCCCAATCCTAA–CTCCCCTGGGTC-3) was 3′-end-labeled with [a-35S] dATP (specific activity 1000–1500 Ci/mmol: Dupont-NEN). Sense strand controls were negative for all sections analyzed.

Northern analysis

Pre-made mouse brain Northern blots were obtained from Clonetech (Palo Alto, CA) and hybridized according to the

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Published on the World Wide Web on 1 June 2001.

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Published by Elsevier B.V.