Expression of nerve growth factor and nerve growth factor receptor P75 in congenital intestinal atresia of newborn

Objective This study aims to evaluate the distribution of nerve growth factor (NGF) and nerve growth factor receptor P75 (P75NGFR) in congenital intestinal atresia and discuss the clinical significance. Methods Immunohistochemical analysis of small bowel from patients with congenital intestinal atresia (n= 15) and normal intestine (n= 6) was performed to explorer the expressions of NGF and P75NGFR. Results A significantly higher proportion of NGF in myenteric plexuses was found in control group when compared with samples of small bowel atresia. The proportion of myenteric plexuses glial cells in the intestinal atresia expressed higher P75NGFR than control. Conclusions the expression of NGF and P75NGFR in congenital intestinal atresia might be related with the pathogenesis of atretic intesine.