Strong immunoreactivity of platelet-derived growth factor and its receptor at human and mouse neuromuscular junctions.

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and its alpha-receptor were localized at human and mouse neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) using specific polyclonal antibodies against each, anti-PDGF-A and anti-PDGF alpha-receptor, respectively. By applying double fluorescence labeling, immunoreactivity for PDGF and its receptor was closely co-localized with acetylcholine receptors, which were identified with alpha-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.