Increased nerve-growth-factor β-chain cross-reacting material in familial dysautonomia

DC Siggers, JG Rogers, SH Boyer… - … England Journal of …, 1976 - Mass Medical Soc
DC Siggers, JG Rogers, SH Boyer, L Margolet, H Dorkin, SP Banerjee, EM Shooter
New England Journal of Medicine, 1976•Mass Medical Soc
To determine whether dysautonomia arises from alteration in nerve-growth factor (NGF), we
measured serum levels of NGF subunits in normal and dysautonomic subjects using a
biologic assay based on neurite outgrowth from chick ganglions, a binding assay based on
displacement of Radio-labeled βNGF from rabbit-ganglion microsomes, and
radioimmunoassays of α, γ and βNGF subunits via antiserum to mouse NGF polypeptides. A
threefold increase (P< 0.001) in serum antigen levels of the biologically active subunit …
Abstract
To determine whether dysautonomia arises from alteration in nerve-growth factor (NGF), we measured serum levels of NGF subunits in normal and dysautonomic subjects using a biologic assay based on neurite outgrowth from chick ganglions, a binding assay based on displacement of Radio-labeled βNGF from rabbit-ganglion microsomes, and radioimmunoassays of α, γ and βNGF subunits via antiserum to mouse NGF polypeptides.
A threefold increase (P<0.001) in serum antigen levels of the biologically active subunit (βNGF) was found for dysautonomic as compared with normal subjects. By all other assays, the groups were alike.
The marked discrepancy in βNGF levels between antigenic and functional (biologic and binding) measurements suggests a qualitative abnormality of βNGF in dysautonomia. Alternatively, elevation of βNGF antigen can be regarded as secondary to disease. This alternative seems less likely since we must then suppose that the normalcy of functional assays is spurious. (N Engl J Med 295:629–634, 1976)
The New England Journal Of Medicine
Show moreShow less
Save Cite Cited by 56 Related articles All 5 versions