Figure 3

NT-3 and IL-1beta do not increase neurite outgrowth of transverse spinal cord slices. A: Transverse spinal cord slices were prepared from E13 spinal cords and the ratio between neurite area and slice area were compared. B: representative photomicrograph showing the increase in outgrowth of NGF treated EC compared to control. NGF (500 ng/ml) serves as positive control. C: NT-3 and IL-1β (500 ng/ml) were added to the culture medium of organotypic transverse spinal cord slices. Only NGF significantly increases neurite density, while NT-3, IL-1β or a combination of these factors does not influence neurite outgrowth. n = 9-11 slices. *: Statistically significant difference to control; p < 0.05 (Mann Whitney U test). Arrow heads indicate outgrowing neuritis. Scale bar: 50 μm.