Fibroblast Growth Factor-1 Induces Heme Oxygenase-1 via Nuclear FactorErythroid 2-related Factor 2 (Nrf2) in Spinal Cord Astrocytes

Resveratrol prevents estrogen-DNA adduct formation and neoplastic transformation in MCF-10F cells

Exposure to estrogens is a risk factor for breast cancer. Specific estrogen metabolites may initiate breast cancer and other cancers. Genotoxicity may be caused by cytochrome P450 (CYP)-mediated oxidation of catechol estrogens to quinones that react with DNA to form depurinating estrogen-DNA adducts. CYP1B1 favors quinone formation by catalyzing estrogen 4-hydroxylation, whereas NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) catalyzes the protective reduction of quinones to catechols. 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) induces CYP1B1 expression through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Resveratrol has anticancer effects in diverse in vitro and in vivo systems and is an AhR antagonist that decreases CYP expression but induces NQO1 expression. The chemopreventive effect of resveratrol on breast cancer initiation was investigated in MCF-10F cells. Its effects on estrogen metabolism and formation of estrogen-DNA adducts were analyzed in culture medium by high-performance liquid chromatography, whereas its effects on CYP1B1 and NQO1 were determined by immunoblotting and immunostaining. The antitransformation effects of resveratrol were also examined. TCDD induced expression of CYP1B1 and its redistribution in the nucleus and cytoplasm. Concomitant treatment with resveratrol dose-dependently suppressed TCDD-induced expression of CYP1B1, mainly in the cytoplasm. Resveratrol dose- and time-dependently induced expression of NQO1. NQO1 is mainly in the perinuclear membrane of control cells, but resveratrol induced NQO1 and its intracellular redistribution, which involves nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2. Resveratrol decreased estrogen metabolism and blocked formation of DNA adducts in cells treated with TCDD and/or estradiol. Resveratrol also suppressed TCDD and/or estradiol-induced cell transformation. Thus, resveratrol can prevent breast cancer initiation by blocking multiple sites in the estrogen genotoxicity pathway.

Nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2-antioxidative response element signaling pathway in motor cortex and spinal cord in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Oxidative stress and inflammation are important pathogenetic mechanisms in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a basic region leucine-zipper transcription factor that binds to the antioxidant response element, thereby regulating the expression of many genes that are involved in cellular antioxidant and anti-inflammatory defense. Under normal conditions, Nrf2 activation is inhibited by Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1). We investigated the potential involvement of the Nrf2/antioxidant response element signaling pathway in the selective degeneration of motor neurons in ALS. Nrf2 and Keap1 expression was analyzed in primary motor cortex and spinal cord postmortem tissue samples from ALS patients and controls by in situ hybridization histochemistry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot analysis. In ALS samples, there was a reduction of Nrf2 mRNA and protein expression in neurons, whereas Keap1 mRNA expression was increased in the motor cortex. These results suggest that alterations in this signaling cascade occur in motor neurons in ALS and that they may contribute to chronic motor neuron degeneration.

Transcriptional profile of primary astrocytes expressing ALS-linked mutant SOD1

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is caused by the progressive degeneration of motor neurons. Mutations in the Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) are found in approximately 20% of patients with familial ALS. Mutant SOD1 causes motor neuron death through an acquired toxic property. Although the molecular mechanism underlying this toxic gain-of-function remains unknown, evidence support the role of mutant SOD1 expression in nonneuronal cells in shaping motor neuron degeneration. We have previously found that in contrast to nontransgenic cells, SOD1(G93A)-expressing astrocytes induced apoptosis of cocultured motor neurons. This prompted us to investigate whether the effect on motor neuron survival was related to a change in the gene expression profile. Through high-density oligonucleotide microarrays, we found changes in the expression of genes involved in transcription, signaling, cell proliferation, extracellular matrix synthesis, response to stress, and steroid and lipid metabolism. The most up-regulated gene was decorin (Dcn), a small multifunctional extracellular proteoglycan. Down-regulated genes included the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (Igf-1r) and the RNA binding protein ROD1. Rod1 was also found down-regulated in purified motor neurons expressing SOD1(G93A). Changes in the expression of Dcn, Igf-1r, and Rod1 were found in the spinal cord of asymptomatic animals, suggesting these changes occur before overt neuronal degeneration and potentially influence astrocyte-motor neuron interaction in the course of the disease. The astrocyte-specific gene expression profile might contribute to the identification of possible candidates for cell type-specific therapies in ALS.

Efficacy and safety of oral fumarate in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase IIb study

BACKGROUND

Oral fumarate (BG00012) might have dual anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. Our aim was to assess the efficacy and safety of BG00012 in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

METHODS

257 patients, aged 18-55 years, with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis were randomly assigned to receive 120 mg once daily (n=64), 120 mg three times daily (n=64), or 240 mg three times daily (n=64) BG00012, or placebo (n=65) for 24 weeks. During an extension period of 24 weeks for safety assessment, patients treated with placebo received BG00012 240 mg three times daily. The primary endpoint was total number of new gadolinium enhancing (GdE) lesions on brain MRI scans at weeks 12, 16, 20, and 24. Additional endpoints included cumulative number of new GdE lesions (weeks 4-24), new or enlarging T2-hyperintense lesions, new T1-hypointense lesions at week 24, and annualised relapse rate. Analysis was done on the efficacy-evaluable population. Safety and tolerability were also assessed. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00168701.

FINDINGS

Treatment with BG00012 240 mg three times daily reduced by 69% the mean total number of new GdE lesions from week 12 to 24 compared with placebo (1.4 vs 4.5, p<0.0001). It also reduced number of new or enlarging T2-hyperintense (p=0.0006) and new T1-hypointense (p=0.014) lesions compared with placebo. BG00012 reduced annualised relapse rate by 32% (0.44 vs 0.65 for placebo; p=0.272). Adverse events more common in patients given BG00012 than in those given placebo included abdominal pain, flushing, and hot flush. Dose-related adverse events in patients on BG00012 were headache, fatigue, and feeling hot.

INTERPRETATION

The anti-inflammatory effects and favourable safety profile of BG00012 warrant further long-term phase III studies in large patient groups.

Regulation of haeme oxygenase-1 for treatment of neuroinflammation and brain disorders

Injury to the CNS elicits a host defense reaction that utilizes astrocytes, microglia, neurons and oligodendrocytes. Neuroinflammation is a major host defense mechanism designed to restore normal structure and function after CNS insult, but like other forms of inflammation, chronic neuroinflammation may contribute to pathogenesis. The inducible haeme oxygenase isoform, haeme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), is a phase 2 enzyme upregulated in response to electrophilic xenobiotics, oxidative stress, cellular injury and disease. There is emerging evidence that HO-1 expression helps mediate the resolution of inflammation, including neuroinflammation. Whether this is solely because of the catabolism of haeme or includes additional mechanisms is unclear. This review provides a brief background on the molecular biology and biochemistry of haeme oxygenases and the actions of haeme, bilirubin, iron and carbon monoxide in the CNS. It then presents our current state of knowledge regarding HO-1 expression in the CNS, regulation of HO-1 induction in neural cells and discusses the prospect of pharmacological manipulation of HO-1 as therapy for CNS disorders. Because of recognized species and cellular differences in HO-1 regulation, a major objective of this review is to draw attention to areas where gaps exist in the experimental record regarding regulation of HO-1 in neural cells. The results indicate the HO-1 system to be an important therapeutic target in CNS disorders, but our understanding of HO-1 expression in human neural cells is severely lacking.

Cigarette smoke-induced expression of heme oxygenase-1 in human lung fibroblasts is regulated by intracellular glutathione

Fibroblasts are key structural cells that can be damaged by cigarette smoke. Cigarette smoke contains many components capable of eliciting oxidative stress, which may induce heme oxygenase (HO)-1, a cytoprotective enzyme. There are no data on HO-1 expression in primary human lung fibroblasts after cigarette smoke extract (CSE) exposure. We hypothesized that human lung fibroblasts exposed to cigarette smoke would increase HO-1 though changes in intracellular glutathione (GSH). Primary human lung fibroblasts were exposed to CSE, and changes in HO-1 expression and GSH levels were assessed. CSE induced a time- and dose-dependent increase in expression of HO-1, but not HO-2 or biliverdin reductase, in two different primary human lung fibroblast strains, a novel finding. This induction of HO-1 paralleled a decrease in intracellular GSH, and a sustained reduction in GSH resulted in a dramatic increase in HO-1. Treatment with the antioxidants N-acetyl-l-cysteine or GSH reduced the expression of HO-1 induced by CSE. We also examined the signal transduction mechanism responsible for HO-1 induction. Nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2, like 2 (Nrf2) was not involved in HO-1 induction by CSE. Activator protein-1 (AP-1) is a redox-sensitive transcription factor shown in other systems to regulate HO-1 expression. CSE exposure resulted in nuclear accumulation of c-Fos and c-Jun, two key AP-1 components. Reduction of c-Fos and c-Jun nuclear translocation by SP-600125 attenuated the CSE-induced expression of HO-1. These data support the concept that changes in the cellular redox status brought on by cigarette smoke induce HO-1 in fibroblasts. This increase in HO-1 may help protect against cigarette smoke-induced inflammation and/or cell death.

Mitochondrial dysfunction in SOD1G93A-bearing astrocytes promotes motor neuron degeneration: prevention by mitochondrial-targeted antioxidants

Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress contribute to motor neuron degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Recent reports indicate that astrocytes expressing the mutations of superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1) may contribute to motor neuron injury in ALS. Here, we provide evidence that mitochondrial dysfunction in SOD1(G93A) rat astrocytes causes astrocytes to induce apoptosis of motor neurons. Mitochondria from SOD1(G93A) rat astrocytes displayed a defective respiratory function, including decreased oxygen consumption, lack of ADP-dependent respiratory control, and decreased membrane potential. Protein 3-nitrotyrosine was detected immunochemically in mitochondrial proteins from SOD1(G93A) astrocytes, suggesting that mitochondrial defects were associated with nitroxidative damage. Furthermore, superoxide radical formation in mitochondria was increased in SOD1(G93A) astrocytes. Similar defects were found in mitochondria isolated from the spinal cord of SOD1(G93A) rats, and pretreatment of animals with the spin trap 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide restored mitochondrial function, forming adducts with mitochondrial proteins in vivo. As shown previously, SOD1(G93A) astrocytes induced death of motor neurons in cocultures, compared with nontransgenic ones. This behavior was recapitulated when nontransgenic astrocytes were treated with mitochondrial inhibitors. Remarkably, motor neuron loss was prevented by preincubation of SOD1(G93A) astrocytes with antioxidants and nitric oxide synthase inhibitors. In particular, low concentrations (approximately 10 nm) of two mitochondrial-targeted antioxidants, ubiquinone and carboxy-proxyl nitroxide, each covalently coupled to a triphenylphosphonium cation (Mito-Q and Mito-CP, respectively), prevented mitochondrial dysfunction, reduced superoxide production in SOD1(G93A) astrocytes, and restored motor neuron survival. Together, our results indicate that mitochondrial dysfunction in astrocytes critically influences motor neuron survival and support the potential pharmacological utility of mitochondrial-targeted antioxidants in ALS treatment.

Heme oxygenase-1 and carbon monoxide in vascular pathobiology: focus on angiogenesis

Angiogenesis involves the formation of new blood vessels and is critical for fundamental events such as development and repair after injury. Perturbances in angiogenesis contribute to the pathogenesis of diverse clinical conditions including cancer, complications of diabetes mellitus, ischemia/reperfusion injury of the heart and other organs, and preeclampsia, as well as a number of inflammatory disorders. Recent work has identified heme oxygenase-1 and its gaseous product, carbon monoxide, to possess potent proangiogenic properties in addition to well-recognized antiinflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic effects. Angiogenic factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor and stromal cell-derived factor-1, mediate their proangiogenic effects through induction of heme oxygenase-1, making it an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. This review will provide an overview of the role of heme oxygenase-1 and carbon monoxide in angiogenesis.

Combined treatment using peripheral nerve graft and FGF-1: changes to the glial environment and differential macrophage reaction in a complete transected spinal cord

We used a complete spinal cord transection model in which the T8 spinal segment was removed to study the effect of combined treatment of peripheral nerve graft and application of FGF-1 on the glial environment. The combined treatment resulted in reduced astrocytic glial scarring, reactive macrophage gliosis, and inhibitory proteoglycan in the back-degenerated white matter tract. While the macrophage activities in the back-degenerative tract were down-regulated, those in the grafted peripheral nerves and in the distal Wallerian degenerative tracts were not. We concluded that the combined treatment changed the glial environment in the back-degenerative tract, and differentially regulated the macrophage activities in the system, in favor of CNS regeneration.

Growth factors and heme oxygenase-1: perspectives in physiology and pathophysiology

Growth factors are mediators of both normal homeostasis and pathophysiology through their effects on various cellular processes. Similarly, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) has a role in maintaining physiologic equilibrium, by which it can either alleviate or exacerbate disease, depending on several considerations, including amount, timing, and location of expression, as well as the disease setting. Thus, the synthesis and activities of growth factors and HO-1 are intricately regulated. Interestingly, several growth factors induce HO-1, and, conversely, HO-1 can regulate the expression of some growth factors. This review focuses on the influence of growth factors and HO-1 and potential physiologic effects of the growth factor(s)-HO-1 interaction.

Microarray analysis of the cellular pathways involved in the adaptation to and progression of motor neuron injury in the SOD1 G93A mouse model of familial ALS

The cellular pathways of motor neuronal injury have been investigated in the SOD1 G93A murine model of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) using laser-capture microdissection and microarray analysis. The advantages of this study include the following: analysis of changes specifically in motor neurons (MNs), while still detecting effects of interactions with neighboring cells; the ability to profile changes during disease progression, an approach not possible in human ALS; and the use of transgenic mice bred on a homogeneous genetic background, eliminating the confounding effects arising from a mixed genetic background. By using this rigorous approach, novel changes in key cellular pathways have been detected at both the presymptomatic and late stages, which have been validated by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR. At the presymptomatic stage (60 d), MNs extracted from SOD1 G93A mice show a significant increase in expression of genes subserving both transcriptional and translational functions, as well as lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, mitochondrial preprotein translocation, and respiratory chain function, suggesting activation of a strong cellular adaptive response. Mice 90 d old still show upregulation of genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, whereas transcription and mRNA processing genes begin to show downregulation. Late in the disease course (120 d), important findings include the following: marked transcriptional repression, with downregulation of multiple transcripts involved in transcriptional and metabolic functions; upregulation of complement system components; and increased expression of key cyclins involved in cell-cycle regulation. The changes described in the motor neuron transcriptome evolving during the disease course highlight potential novel targets for neuroprotective therapeutic intervention.

Activation of the Nrf2-ARE pathway in muscle and spinal cord during ALS-like pathology in mice expressing mutant SOD1

Oxidative stress plays a key role in the neuronal loss exhibited in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), an event precipitating irreversible muscle atrophy. By crossing ALS mouse models (SOD(G93A) and SOD(H46RH48Q)) with an antioxidant response element (ARE) reporter mouse, we identified activation characteristics of the ARE system throughout the timecourse of motor neuron disease. Surprisingly, the earliest and most significant activation of this genetic sensor of oxidative stress occurred in the distal muscles of mutant SOD mice. The resultant data supports existing hypotheses that the muscle is somehow implicated during the initial pathology of these mice. Subsequently, Nrf2-ARE activation appears to progress in a retrograde fashion along the motor pathway. These data provide timely information concerning the contributions of the Nrf2-ARE pathway in ALS disease progression.

Effects on neurite outgrowth and cell survival of a secreted fibroblast growth factor binding protein upregulated during spinal cord injury

The fibroblast growth factor binding protein (FGF-BP; GenBank accession no. NP_005121) is a secreted protein that mobilizes FGFs from the extracellular matrix, protects them from degradation, and enhances their biological activity. Several previous studies reported that FGF-BP is an early response gene upregulated during tissue repair processes including wound healing and atherogenesis. In this study we analyzed whether FGF-BP expression was impacted by spinal cord injury and could have an effect on neuronal cell viability. Immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization studies revealed a dramatic upregulation of FGF-BP protein and mRNA levels following unilateral hemisection and contusion injury of adult rat spinal cord. In spinal cord sections of laminectomized rats, increased FGF-BP expression was observed in the fibers and cell bodies ipsilateral to the lesion site but was absent in the uninjured spinal cord tissue contralateral to the lesion. Increased expression of FGF-BP was observed at all postinjury time points, examined with peak levels occurring at day 4, a time when injury-induced increased levels of FGF2 have also been reported to be maximal. Moreover, using PC12 cells as a neuronal model, we observed that exogenous FGF-BP increased the capacity of FGF2 to stimulate neurite outgrowth and to increase cell survival. At the molecular level, FGF-BP enhanced FGF2-induced protein tyrosine phosphorylation and AKT/PKB activation. Collectively, these results suggest that FGF-BP is an early response gene after spinal cord injury and that its upregulation in regenerating spinal cord tissue may provide a molecular mechanism for enhancing the initial FGF2-mediated neurotrophic effects occurring after such tissue damage.

Complexity of astrocyte-motor neuron interactions in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Neurons and surrounding glial cells compose a highly specialized functional unit. In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) astrocytes interact with motor neurons in a complex manner to modulate neuronal survival. Experiments using chimeric mice expressing ALS-linked mutations to Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD-1) suggest a critical modulation exerted by neighboring non-neuronal cell types on disease phenotype. When perturbed by primary neuronal damage, e.g. expression of SOD-1 mutations, neurons can signal astrocytes to proliferate and become reactive. Fibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF-1) can be released by motor neurons in response to damage to induce astrocyte activation by signaling through the receptor FGFR1. FGF-1 stimulates nerve growth factor (NGF) expression and secretion, as well as activity of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) transcription factor. Nrf2 leads to the expression of antioxidant and cytoprotective enzymes such as heme oxygenase-1 and a group of enzymes involved in glutathione metabolism that prevent motor neuron degeneration. However, prolonged stimulation with FGF-1 or SOD-mediated oxidative stress in astrocytes may disrupt the normal neuron-glia interactions and lead to progressive neuronal degeneration. The re-expression of p75 neurotrophin receptor and neuronal NOS in motor neurons in parallel with increased NGF secretion by reactive astrocytes may be a mechanism to eliminate critically damaged neurons. Consequently, astrocyte activation in ALS may have a complex pathogenic role.

CO as a cellular signaling molecule

Many biological functions of heme oxygenase (HO), such as cytoprotection against oxidative stress, vasodilation, neurotransmission in the central or peripheral nervous systems, and anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, or anti-proliferative potential, have been attributed to its enzymatic byproduct carbon monoxide (CO), although roles for biliverdin/bilirubin and iron have also been proposed. In addition to these well-characterized effects, recent findings reveal that HO-derived CO may act as an oxygen sensor and circadian modulator of heme biosynthesis. In lymphocytes, CO may participate in regulatory T cell function. A number of the known signaling effects of CO depend on stimulation of soluble guanylate cyclase and/or activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK). Furthermore, modulation of caveolin-1 status may serve as an essential component of certain aspects of CO action, such as growth control. In this review, we summarize recent findings of the beneficial or detrimental effects of endogenous CO with an emphasis on the signaling pathways and downstream targets that trigger the action of this gas.

Increased glutathione biosynthesis by Nrf2 activation in astrocytes prevents p75NTR-dependent motor neuron apoptosis

Astrocytes may modulate the survival of motor neurons in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We have previously shown that fibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF-1) activates astrocytes to increase secretion of nerve growth factor (NGF). NGF in turn induces apoptosis in co-cultured motor neurons expressing the p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) by a mechanism involving nitric oxide (NO) and peroxynitrite formation. We show here that FGF-1 increased the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and NO production in astrocytes, making adjacent motor neurons vulnerable to NGF-induced apoptosis. Spinal cord astrocytes isolated from transgenic SOD1G93A rats displayed increased NO production and spontaneously induced apoptosis of co-cultured motor neurons. FGF-1 also activates the redox-sensitive transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in astrocytes. Because Nrf2 increases glutathione (GSH) biosynthesis, we investigated the role of GSH production by astrocytes on p75NTR-dependent motor neuron apoptosis. The combined treatment of astrocytes with FGF-1 and t-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ) increased GSH production and secretion, preventing motor neuron apoptosis. Moreover, Nrf2 activation in SOD1G93A astrocytes abolished their apoptotic activity. The protection exerted by increased Nrf2 activity was overcome by adding the NO donor DETA-NONOate to the co-cultures or by inhibiting GSH synthesis and release from astrocytes. These results suggest that activation of Nrf2 in astrocytes can reduce NO-dependent toxicity to motor neurons by increasing GSH biosynthesis.

Motexafin gadolinium and zinc induce oxidative stress responses and apoptosis in B-cell lymphoma lines

There is an emerging appreciation of the importance of zinc in regulating cancer cell growth and proliferation. Recently, we showed that the anticancer agent motexafin gadolinium (MGd) disrupted zinc metabolism in A549 lung cancer cells, leading, in the presence of exogenous zinc, to cell death. Here, we report the effect of MGd and exogenous zinc on intracellular levels of free zinc, oxidative stress, proliferation, and cell death in exponential phase human B-cell lymphoma and other hematologic cell lines. We find that increased levels of oxidative stress and intracellular free zinc precede and correlate with cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. To better understand the molecular basis of these cellular responses, gene expression profiling analyses were conducted on Ramos cell cultures treated with MGd and/or zinc acetate. Cultures treated with MGd or zinc acetate alone elicited transcriptional responses characterized by induction of metal response element-binding transcription factor-1 (MTF-1)-regulated and hypoxia-inducible transcription factor-1 (HIF-1)-regulated genes. Cultures cotreated with MGd and zinc acetate displayed further increases in the levels of MTF-1- and HIF-1-regulated transcripts as well as additional transcripts regulated by NF-E2-related transcription factor 2. These data provide insights into the molecular changes that accompany the disruption of intracellular zinc homeostasis and support a role for MGd in treatment of B-cell hematologic malignancies.

Distinct roles of oxidative stress and antioxidants in the nucleus dorsalis and red nucleus following spinal cord hemisection

Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration after the acute central nervous system injury. We reported previously that increased nitric oxide (NO) production following spinal cord hemisection tends to lead to neurodegeneration in neurons of the nucleus dorsalis (ND) that normally lacks expression of neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) in opposition to those in the red nucleus (RN) that constitutively expresses nNOS. We wondered whether oxidative stress could be a mechanism underlying this NO involved neurodegeneration. In the present study, we examined oxidative damage evaluated by the presence of 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE) and iron accumulation and expression of putative antioxidant enzymes heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in neurons of the ND and RN after spinal cord hemisection. We found that HNE expression was induced in neurons of the ipsilateral ND from 1 to 14 days following spinal cord hemisection. Concomitantly, iron staining was seen from 7 to 14 days after lesion. HO-1, however, was only transiently induced in ipsilateral ND neurons between 3 and 7 days after lesion. In contrast to the ND neurons, HNE was undetectable and iron level was unaltered in the RN neurons after spinal cord hemisection. HO-1, SOD-Cu/Zn and SOD-Mn were constitutively expressed in RN neurons, and lesion to the spinal cord did not change their expression. These results suggest that oxidative stress is involved in the degeneration of the lesioned ND neurons; whereas constitutive antioxidant enzymes may protect the RN neurons from oxidative damage.