Expression of leukemia inhibitory factor receptor mRNA in sensory dorsal root ganglion and spinal motor neurons of the neonatal rat.

Previous studies have shown that the application of leukemia inhibitory factor to the proximal nerve stump prevents the degeneration of axotomized sensory neurons in the dorsal root ganglion and motor neurons in the spinal cord of newborn rats. This study investigated the expression of leukemia inhibitory factor receptor mRNA in these neurons using in situ hybridization. Leukemia inhibitory factor receptor mRNA was detected both in sensory neurons within the dorsal root ganglion and motor neurons of the cervical spinal cord. Twenty-four hours after axotomy these neurons continue to express leukemia inhibitory factor receptor mRNA. This pattern of leukemia inhibitory factor receptor expression provides a mechanism by which endogenous and exogenous leukemia inhibitory factor could act on injured sensory and motor neurons.