Strong Immunoreactivity of Platelet-Derived Growth Factor and Its Receptor at Human and Mouse Neuromuscular Junctions

Abstract

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and its α-receptor were localized at human and mouse neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) using specific polyclonal antibodies against each, anti-PDGF-A and anti-PDGF α-receptor, respectively. By applying double fluorescence labeling, immunoreactivity for PDGF and its receptor was closely co-localized with acetylcholine receptors, which were identified with α-bungarotoxin. PDGF might be involved in the interaction between the presynaptic and postsynaptic components. This is the first demonstration of PDGF and its receptor concentrated at human and mouse NMJs.