Widespread Elimination of Naturally Occurring Neuronal Death inBax-Deficient Mice

• DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.18-04-01428.1998
• Publication Date: 2018-04-03T03:05:41Z
• Authors: Fletcher A. White; Cynthia R. Keller...; C. Michael Knudson; Stanley J. Korsmeyer; William D. Snider
• Keywords: Neurons; 0301 basic medicine; 0303 health sciences; Cell Survival; Cranial Nerves; Brain; Apoptosis; Embryo, Mammalian; Embryonic and Fetal Development; Mice; 03 medical and health sciences; Animals, Newborn; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2; Spinal Cord; Ganglia, Spinal; Proto-Oncogene Proteins; Animals; Ganglia; Atrophy; Neuroglia; bcl-2-Associated X Protein

The proapoptotic molecule BAX is required for death of sympathetic and motor neurons in the setting trophic factor deprivation. Furthermore, adult Bax−/− mice have more than do their wild-type counterparts. These findings raise possibility that regulates naturally occurring cell during development many neuronal populations. To test this idea, we assessed apoptosis using TUNEL labeling several well-studied neural systems embryonic early postnatal mice. Remarkably, virtually eliminated between day 11.5 (E11.5) 1 (PN1) most peripheral ganglia, pools spinal cord, trigeminal brainstem nuclear complex. Additionally, reduction, although not elimination, was noted throughout developing cerebellum, some layers retina, hippocampus. Saving cells verified by axon counts dorsal ventral roots, as well facial optic nerves revealed 24–35% increases number. Interestingly, supernumerary axons had very small cross-sectional areas, suggesting associated are normal. We conclude a critical mediator CNS life. However, rescue from does imply will develop normal functional capabilities.