Nerve growth factor (NGF) belongs to the neurotrophin family and induces its effects through activation of two distinct receptor types. NGF was first described by Rita Levi-Montalcini and collaborators as an important factor involved in nerve differentiation and survival. Another role for NGF has been established in neurotransmitter release in the hippocampus, developing visual cortex and cerebellar neuron. However, this phenomenon has not been demonstrated in retina to date. We therefore investigated whether NGF can modulate the glutamate release in the retinal tissue at its peak of the neurotrophic activity (E10-E12). In addition this, we aimed to study the mechanisms of this effect about its dependence on extracellular Ca2+ and participation of Na+-dependent and Na+-independent glutamate transporters. Since high levels of glutamate signalization have been implicated in the oxidative stress, we also investigated the effects of NGF on the thiols compounds. We used intact retinal tissue from chicken embryos (E11) incubated with NGF (10, 50, 100 ng/ml) for different periods (15, 30, 45, 60, 120 min). Extracellular glutamate and thiols content was measured by HPLC methods and colorimetric assay, respectively. We found that NGF rapidly enhances the release of basal glutamate and it can induce thiol release in a more prolonged time of incubation, as well. Interestingly, the NGF-induced increase in the extracellular levels of glutamate was blocked by Ca2+-free medium only in retina treated for 15 min. Retina incubated for 30 min showed a non-vesicular NGF-induced glutamate release. Since glutamate and thiol release was not blocked by Zn2+, we suggested the possible involvement of system Xc- in both processes.NGF-induced increase in the extracellular thiol could be an important protective mechanism enabling retinal neurons to maintain their redox status during development.
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