Korean J Dermatol.  2002 Nov;40(11):1353-1358.

The Effect of Nerve Growth Factor on Proliferation of Cultured Human Melanocytes

• Lim TW
• Park JH
• Kim NI

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Nerve growth factor(NGF) is a neurotrophic polypeptide necessary for the survival and growth of some central neurons, as well as sensory afferent and sympathetic neurons. In addition to its actions on the nervous system, it also has significant biologic effects on cells of the immune-inflammatory compartment. NGF can variably induce melanocyte mitosis, increase melanogenesis, enhance dendricity and prevent apoptotic cell death following the UV injury.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of NGF on proliferation of cultured human melanocytes.
METHODS
The effects of NGF on proliferation of cultured human melanocytes were evaluated. To specify the NGF effect on proliferation of human melanocytes, excess of anti-NGF neutralizing polyclonal antibody was added.
RESULTS
1) In 1% of melanocyte growth supplement(MGS) medium, all experimental groups showed no significant increase of cell number. The addition of anti-NGF polyclonal antibody did not influence the proliferation of melanocytes. 2) In 0.2% of MGS medium, all experimental groups showed no significant increase of cell number. The addition of anti-NGF polyclonal antibody did not influence the proliferation of melanocytes.
CONCLUSION
These results suggest that, even though NGF has many biological influencse on melanocytes, it does not play a significant role in the proliferation of melanocyts.

Keyword

NGF; Melanocyte

MeSH Terms

Cell Count
Cell Death
Humans*
Melanocytes*
Mitosis
Nerve Growth Factor*
Nervous System
Neurons
Nerve Growth Factor