Synergy between TGF-β3 and NT-3 to promote the survival of spiral ganglia neurones in vitro

Abstract

Transforming growth factor-βs (TGF-βs) have been implicated in normal inner ear development and in promoting neuronal survival. Early rat post- natal spiral ganglion cells (SGC) in dissociated cell culture were used as a model of auditory innervation to test the trophic factors TGF-β3 and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) for their ability, individually or in combination, to promote neuronal survival. The findings from this study suggest that TGF-β3 supports neuronal survival in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover TGF- β3 and NT-3-potentiated spiral ganglion neuronal survival in a synergistic fashion.