Substrate-bound nerve growth factor promotes neurite growth in peripheral nerve.

Nerve growth factor (NGF), in addition to its well-known effects as a soluble neurite growth-promoting factor, also appears to promote the elongation of neurites when it is adsorbed to tissue culture substrates. Peripheral nerve Schwann cells appear to possess a receptor for NGF on their surfaces which is induced substantially after axotomy. We have found that the adsorption of NGF onto cryostat sections of the distal stump of previously severed sciatic nerve enhances neurite growth over this tissue. This finding, coupled with the two previous observations, suggests that Schwann cell surface NGF receptors serve to bind to NGF-like growth factors so as to provide favorable surfaces for regenerating peripheral nerve axons.