Hericenones C, D and E, stimulators of nerve growth factor (NGF)-synthesis, from the mushroom Hericium erinaceum

The nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis/secretion by cultured mouse astroglial cells was modulated by catecholamine. In quiescent cells, epinephrine (EN) and dopamine (DA) markedly increased the NGF content in the conditioned medium (CM). Conversely, EN, DA, and norepinephrine (NE) decreased the NGF content in growing cells. Cholinergic agonists, metacholine and carbamylcholine, slightly increased the NGF content in quiescent cells, but showed no effects on growing cells. Other neurotransmitters tested had no effects on either growing or quiescent cells. These results suggest that catecholamine is one of the molecules responsible for regulation of NGF synthesis/secretion in the mouse brain.

Catecholamines are potent in stimulating nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis in mouse L-M cells. The relationship between the structure of catecholamines and their stimulatory effect on NGF synthesis has been studied using various 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl derivatives or their analogues. All 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl derivatives with two saturated carbons on the side chain were potent stimulators, whereas those with only one carbon on the side chain were weak stimulators. Drugs lacking the catechol ring were not effective. These results suggest that the catechol part of catecholamines is essential for the stimulatory effect and that the aliphatic side chain potentiates this effect. The present results also suggest the terminal amino residue on the side chain is not critical for the effect.