Neurofibromatosis (NF) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder with a prevalence of 1/3,000 births. The NF mutation causes multiple abnormalities of various cells of neural crest origin. Schwann cell tumors (neurofibromas, acoustic neuromas) are the most common feature of neurofibromatosis although meningiomas, gliomas, and other neoplasms may be seen. The schwann cell tumors commonly develop from the schwann cells associated with sensory or sympathetic nerves or their ganglia. Schwann cell tumors on ventral spinal roots or motor cranial nerves are much less common. Since the sensory neuron membrane is known to contain a mitogenic factor for schwann cells, we have postulated that neurofibromatosis may be due to an abnormal interaction between the nerve and the schwann cell and that this interaction may be hormonally modulated. To test this possibility a system has been developed in which an enriched schwannoma cell culture can be obtained and co-cultured with pure neurons.
