CD34-positive cells in human umbilical cord blood express nerve growth factor and its specific receptor TrkA

J Neuroimmunol. 2003 Mar;136(1-2):130-9. doi: 10.1016/s0165-5728(03)00007-9.

Abstract

In this study, we investigated whether hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) and progenitors present in human cord blood can express nerve growth factor (NGF)-specific receptors, TrkA and p75. Our results showed a marked expression of TrkA and NGF in cord blood CD34(+) cells. A gradient of TrkA and NGF expression exists and is highest in cord blood CD34(+) cells, reduced in cord blood mononuclear cells (MNC) and minimal in mononuclear cells isolated from adult peripheral blood. Our findings suggest that NGF may play a role in the differentiation of hematopoietic progenitors and indicate a different requirement for NGF by immune cells, depending on their state of maturity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antigens, CD34 / immunology*
  • Cell Differentiation / immunology*
  • Fetal Blood / cytology*
  • Fetal Blood / immunology
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cells / immunology
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cells / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear / immunology
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear / metabolism
  • Middle Aged
  • Nerve Growth Factor / genetics
  • Nerve Growth Factor / metabolism*
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Receptor, Nerve Growth Factor
  • Receptor, trkA / genetics
  • Receptor, trkA / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor / genetics
  • Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor / metabolism

Substances

  • Antigens, CD34
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Receptor, Nerve Growth Factor
  • Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor
  • Nerve Growth Factor
  • Receptor, trkA