The p75 neurotrophin receptor mediates neuronal apoptosis and is essential for naturally occurring sympathetic neuron death

The role of the p75 neurotrophin receptor in the developmental apoptosis of sympathetic neurons was investigated. Specifically, the experiment focused on sympathetic neurons in postnatal rats that express both the p75 neurotrophin and TrkA tyrosine kinase receptors. Results showed that activation of the p75 neurotrophin receptor led to cell death and that the p75 receptor inhibited developmental apoptosis. The TrkA receptor, on the other hand, mediated the survival of sympathetic neurons in rats.