Over-expression of NGF in skin causes formation of novel sympathetic projections to trkA-positive sensory neurons

Previous studies have shown that transgenic mice over-expressing NGF in the skin have novel sympathetic 'basket-like' projections to sensory neurons similar to that seen in models of chronic pain. Since only a subset of sensory neurons in the NGF-transgenic mice received the sympathetic projections, we hypothesized that sympathetic sprouting was targeted to those neurons affected by increased levels of NGF. To test this, double-label immunohistochemistry for the NGF receptor (trkA) and sympathetic baskets was performed. Thirty-nine percent of all neurons in transgenic trigeminal ganglia were trkA-positive. Moreover, of the population of sensory neurons that received sympathetic input, 84% were trkA-positive. These results indicate that retrogradely transported NGF can induce and direct growth of sympathetic axons in vivo.