Analysis of the effects of the antiserum to the nerve growth factor in adult mice

Abstract

The effect of the nerve growth factor antiserum (NGF-AS) on adult mice has been studied at morphological and biochemical levels. A 5-day treatment of 3-month-old mice results in a marked volume reduction of sympathetic chain ganglia. This decrease in volume appears to be due in part to cell death, but to a major extent to atrophy of residual neurons. A severe impairment of the sympathetic function also obtains, as indicated by a marked decrease of catecholamine uptake and content in peripheral organs. A few weeks after the end of treatment, a gradual and progressive recovery of the sympathetic function ensues, and the nerve cells regain their normal appearance. These results are described in connection with the problem of the site of action of NGF antibodies in immature and in fully differentiated sympathetic neurons.