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Perez M, Cartarozzi LP, Chiarotto GB, Guimarães FS, Oliveira ALRD. Short and long-term neuroprotective effects of cannabidiol after neonatal peripheral nerve axotomy. Neuropharmacology 2021; 197:108726. [PMID: 34303725 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Neonatal rat sciatic nerve crush mimics obstetric axonotmesis, leading to extensive loss of motor and sensory neurons. The present study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective potential of cannabidiol (CBD) and the role of cannabinoid receptors after sciatic nerve crush in neonatal rats. For that, two-day-old Wistar rats were used, organized into the following experimental groups: sciatic nerve crush plus CBD treatment (CBD), crush plus vehicle treatment (VE), crush + CBD + AM251 treatment (AM251 - CB1 inverse agonist), crush + CBD + AM630 treatment (AM630 - CB2 antagonist). Spinal motoneuron survival was evaluated by Nissl staining of the lumbar spinal cord, 5- and 56-days following injury. CBD treatment enhanced neuronal survival by ~54 % both 5 days and 8 weeks after injury. However, AM251 and AM630 treatment decreased neuronal rescue by 30 % when compared to the CBD group, suggesting that CBD acts partially through such pathways. However, in the long term, only the CB1 blockade reverted CBD positive results. Synaptic preservation was evaluated by anti-synaptophysin immunolabeling. Five days after the lesion, CBD treatment preserved ~35 % of synapses in the ventral horn, and such effect was partially reversed by CB1 inactivation. Additionally, CBD treatment reduced astroglial reaction both at 5 days (39 %, compared to VE) and 8 weeks (31 %, compared to VE) after lesion. The microglial response was acutely reduced by 62 % after CBD treatment. Overall, the results herein show that CBD is neuroprotective, increasing neuronal survival and reducing glial reaction after neonatal axotomy. Such effects require CB1 and CB2 receptors to be effective, in turn influencing neuroprotection, glial reactivity, and functional recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matheus Perez
- Laboratory of Nerve Regeneration, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Cidade Universitaria "Zeferino Vaz", Rua Monteiro Lobato, 255, 13083-970, Campinas, SP, Brazil; School of Physical Education and Sport of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, 14040-907, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Luciana Politti Cartarozzi
- Laboratory of Nerve Regeneration, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Cidade Universitaria "Zeferino Vaz", Rua Monteiro Lobato, 255, 13083-970, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Bortolança Chiarotto
- Laboratory of Nerve Regeneration, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Cidade Universitaria "Zeferino Vaz", Rua Monteiro Lobato, 255, 13083-970, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Francisco Silveira Guimarães
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, 14040-907, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Leite Rodrigues de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Nerve Regeneration, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Cidade Universitaria "Zeferino Vaz", Rua Monteiro Lobato, 255, 13083-970, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
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Zilundu PLM, Xu X, Liaquat Z, Wang Y, Zhong K, Fu R, Zhou L. Long-Term Suppression of c-Jun and nNOS Preserves Ultrastructural Features of Lower Motor Neurons and Forelimb Function after Brachial Plexus Roots Avulsion. Cells 2021; 10:1614. [PMID: 34203264 PMCID: PMC8307634 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Brachial plexus root avulsions cause debilitating upper limb paralysis. Short-term neuroprotective treatments have reported preservation of motor neurons and function in model animals while reports of long-term benefits of such treatments are scarce, especially the morphological sequelae. This morphological study investigated the long-term suppression of c-Jun- and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) (neuroprotective treatments for one month) on the motor neuron survival, ultrastructural features of lower motor neurons, and forelimb function at six months after brachial plexus roots avulsion. Neuroprotective treatments reduced oxidative stress and preserved ventral horn motor neurons at the end of the 28-day treatment period relative to vehicle treated ones. Motor neuron sparing was associated with suppression of c-Jun, nNOS, and pro-apoptotic proteins Bim and caspases at this time point. Following 6 months of survival, neutral red staining revealed a significant loss of most of the motor neurons and ventral horn atrophy in the avulsed C6, 7, and 8 cervical segments among the vehicle-treated rats (n = 4). However, rats that received neuroprotective treatments c-Jun JNK inhibitor, SP600125 (n = 4) and a selective inhibitor of nNOS, 7-nitroindazole (n = 4), retained over half of their motor neurons in the ipsilateral avulsed side compared. Myelinated axons in the avulsed ventral horns of vehicle-treated rats were smaller but numerous compared to the intact contralateral ventral horns or neuroprotective-treated groups. In the neuroprotective treatment groups, there was the preservation of myelin thickness around large-caliber axons. Ultrastructural evaluation also confirmed the preservation of organelles including mitochondria and synapses in the two groups that received neuroprotective treatments compared with vehicle controls. Also, forelimb functional evaluation demonstrated that neuroprotective treatments improved functional abilities in the rats. In conclusion, neuroprotective treatments aimed at suppressing degenerative c-Jun and nNOS attenuated apoptosis, provided long-term preservation of motor neurons, their organelles, ventral horn size, and forelimb function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prince Last Mudenda Zilundu
- Department of Anatomy, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; (P.L.M.Z.); (X.X.); (K.Z.)
| | - Xiaoying Xu
- Department of Anatomy, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; (P.L.M.Z.); (X.X.); (K.Z.)
| | - Zaara Liaquat
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518100, China;
| | - Yaqiong Wang
- Department of Electron Microscopy, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China;
| | - Ke Zhong
- Department of Anatomy, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; (P.L.M.Z.); (X.X.); (K.Z.)
| | - Rao Fu
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518100, China;
| | - Lihua Zhou
- Department of Anatomy, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; (P.L.M.Z.); (X.X.); (K.Z.)
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518100, China;
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Carvalho NZM, Chiarotto GB, Bernardes D, Kempe PRG, Oliveira ALR. Neuroprotection by dimethyl fumarate following ventral root crush in C57BL/6J mice. Brain Res Bull 2020; 164:184-197. [PMID: 32866558 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2020.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
CNS lesions usually result in permanent loss of function and are an important problem in the medical field. In order to investigate neuroprotection/degeneration mechanisms and the synaptic plasticity of motoneurons, in addition to the potential for a variety of treatments, different experimental models of axonal injury have been proposed. Recent studies have tested the immunomodulatory drug dimethyl fumarate (DMF) for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and have shown promising outcomes. Therefore, in this work, we investigated the effects of DMF with regard to neuroprotection and its influence on the glial response in C57BL/6J animals subjected to crushing of the motor roots in the lumbar intumescence of the spinal cord. The animals were divided into a vehicle-treated injury group (0.08 % methylcellulose solution control group, n = 7) and injured groups treated with DMF at different doses (15, 30, 45, 90 and 180 mg/kg; n = 6-7 per dose). The 90 mg/kg dose showed the best neuroprotective results, so it was used for treatment over a period of eight weeks. Neuronal survival was assessed through Nissl staining, and functional recovery was evaluated with the CatWalk system (walking track test) and the von Frey test (mechanoreception). Immunohistochemistry was used to assess synaptic coverage and astroglial and microglial reactivity using the primary antibodies anti-synaptophysin (pre-synaptic terminal pan marker), GAD65 (GABAergic pre-synaptic terminations - inhibitory), and VGLUT1 (glutamatergic pre-synaptic terminations - excitatory). Glial reactions were evaluated with anti-IBA1 (microglia) and GFAP (astrocytes). Gene transcript levels of IL-3, IL-4, TNF-α, IL-6, TGF-β, iNOS-M1, and arginase-M2 were quantified by RT-qPCR. The results indicated that treatment with DMF, at a dose of 90 mg/kg, promoted neuroprotection and immunomodulation towards an anti-inflammatory response. It also resulted in greater preservation of inhibitory synapses and reduced astroglial reactivity, providing a more favorable environment for sensorimotor recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gabriela Bortolança Chiarotto
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas - UNICAMP. 13083-970, Campinas, SP, Brazil; University Center of Herminio Ometto Foundation, Post Graduate Program in Biomedical Science, Brazil.
| | - Danielle Bernardes
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas - UNICAMP. 13083-970, Campinas, SP, Brazil; University Center of Herminio Ometto Foundation, Post Graduate Program in Biomedical Science, Brazil.
| | - Paula Regina Gelinski Kempe
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas - UNICAMP. 13083-970, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
| | - Alexandre Leite Rodrigues Oliveira
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas - UNICAMP. 13083-970, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
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Spejo AB, Teles CB, Zuccoli GDS, Oliveira ALRD. Synapse preservation and decreased glial reactions following ventral root crush (VRC) and treatment with 4‐hydroxy‐tempo (TEMPOL). J Neurosci Res 2018; 97:520-534. [DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aline Barroso Spejo
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology University of Campinas (UNICAMP) Campinas Brazil
| | - Caroline Brandão Teles
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology University of Campinas (UNICAMP) Campinas Brazil
| | - Giuliana da Silva Zuccoli
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology University of Campinas (UNICAMP) Campinas Brazil
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Direct Spinal Ventral Root Repair following Avulsion: Effectiveness of a New Heterologous Fibrin Sealant on Motoneuron Survival and Regeneration. Neural Plast 2016; 2016:2932784. [PMID: 27642524 PMCID: PMC5013226 DOI: 10.1155/2016/2932784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Revised: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Axonal injuries at the interface between central and peripheral nervous system, such as ventral root avulsion (VRA), induce important degenerative processes, mostly resulting in neuronal and motor function loss. In the present work, we have compared two different fibrin sealants, one derived from human blood and another derived from animal blood and Crotalus durissus terrificus venom, as a promising treatment for this type of injury. Lewis rats were submitted to VRA (L4–L6) and had the avulsed roots reimplanted to the surface of the spinal cord, with the aid of fibrin sealant. The spinal cords were processed to evaluate neuronal survival, synaptic stability, and glial reactivity, 4 and 12 weeks after lesion. Sciatic nerves were processed to investigate Schwann cell activity by p75NTR expression (4 weeks after surgery) and to count myelinated axons and morphometric evaluation (12 weeks after surgery). Walking track test was used to evaluate gait recovery, up to 12 weeks. The results indicate that both fibrin sealants are similarly efficient. However, the snake-derived fibrin glue is a potentially safer alternative for being a biological and biodegradable product which does not contain human blood derivatives. Therefore, the venom glue can be a useful tool for the scientific community due to its advantages and variety of applications.
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Eggers R, Tannemaat MR, De Winter F, Malessy MJA, Verhaagen J. Clinical and neurobiological advances in promoting regeneration of the ventral root avulsion lesion. Eur J Neurosci 2015; 43:318-35. [PMID: 26415525 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Revised: 08/31/2015] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Root avulsions due to traction to the brachial plexus causes complete and permanent loss of function. Until fairly recent, such lesions were considered impossible to repair. Here we review clinical repair strategies and current progress in experimental ventral root avulsion lesions. The current gold standard in patients with a root avulsion is nerve transfer, whereas reimplantation of the avulsed root into the spinal cord has been performed in a limited number of cases. These neurosurgical repair strategies have significant benefit for the patient but functional recovery remains incomplete. Developing new ways to improve the functional outcome of neurosurgical repair is therefore essential. In the laboratory, the molecular and cellular changes following ventral root avulsion and the efficacy of intervention strategies have been studied at the level of spinal motoneurons, the ventral spinal root and peripheral nerve, and the skeletal muscle. We present an overview of cell-based pharmacological and neurotrophic factor treatment approaches that have been applied in combination with surgical reimplantation. These interventions all demonstrate neuroprotective effects on avulsed motoneurons, often accompanied with various degrees of axonal regeneration. However, effects on survival are usually transient and robust axon regeneration over long distances has as yet not been achieved. Key future areas of research include finding ways to further extend the post-lesion survival period of motoneurons, the identification of neuron-intrinsic factors which can promote persistent and long-distance axon regeneration, and finally prolonging the pro-regenerative state of Schwann cells in the distal nerve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Eggers
- Laboratory for Neuroregeneration, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 47, 1105 BA, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Martijn R Tannemaat
- Laboratory for Neuroregeneration, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 47, 1105 BA, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Fred De Winter
- Laboratory for Neuroregeneration, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 47, 1105 BA, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Neurosurgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Martijn J A Malessy
- Laboratory for Neuroregeneration, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 47, 1105 BA, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Neurosurgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Joost Verhaagen
- Laboratory for Neuroregeneration, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 47, 1105 BA, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognition research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Benitez SU, Carneiro EM, de Oliveira ALR. Synaptic input changes to spinal cord motoneurons correlate with motor control impairments in a type 1 diabetes mellitus model. Brain Behav 2015; 5:e00372. [PMID: 26516607 PMCID: PMC4614060 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2015] [Revised: 07/09/2015] [Accepted: 07/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hyperglycemia is the main cause of diabetic complications, contributing to a widespread degeneration of the nervous system. Nevertheless, the main focus has been the sensory neurons because of neuropathic pain, while the impairments associated with the spinal cord and motor deficits, mostly of those initiated at early stages of the disease, have been poorly investigated. In this way, the present study used the nonobese diabetic mouse model to evaluate the microenvironment around motoneurons at ventral horn of the spinal cord, following prolonged hyperglycemia. METHODS Adult female mice were divided into two groups: spontaneously diabetic (n = 33) and nondiabetic (n = 26). Mice were considered hyperglycemic when blood glucose surpassed 400 mg/dL. Following 2 weeks from that stage, part of the animals was euthanized and the lumbar intumescences were obtained and processed for immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy. For immunohistochemistry, the antibodies used for integrated density of pixels quantification were anti-synaptophysin, anti-GFAP, and anti-Iba1. The functional analysis was monitored with the walking track test (CatWalk system) during 4 weeks. RESULTS The results revealed significant motor impairment in diabetic animals in comparison to the control group. Such loss of motor control correlated with a significant reduction in presynaptic terminals apposed to the motoneurons. Nevertheless, there were no significant changes in glial reaction in the spinal cord. CONCLUSION Overall, the results herein revealed central nervous system changes at early stages of the disease that may in turn contribute to the motor deficit. Such changes open a new window of investigation in early stages of diabetes to better comprehend motor impairment as a long-term complication of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzana Ulian Benitez
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology Institute of Biology State University of Campinas 13083-970 Campinas Sao Paulo Brazil
| | - Everardo Magalhães Carneiro
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology Institute of Biology State University of Campinas 13083-970 Campinas Sao Paulo Brazil
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Cartarozzi LP, Spejo AB, Ferreira RS, Barraviera B, Duek E, Carvalho JL, Góes AM, Oliveira AL. Mesenchymal stem cells engrafted in a fibrin scaffold stimulate Schwann cell reactivity and axonal regeneration following sciatic nerve tubulization. Brain Res Bull 2015; 112:14-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2015.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2014] [Revised: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Barbizan R, Castro MV, Ferreira RS, Barraviera B, Oliveira ALR. Long-term spinal ventral root reimplantation, but not bone marrow mononuclear cell treatment, positively influences ultrastructural synapse recovery and motor axonal regrowth. Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:19535-51. [PMID: 25353176 PMCID: PMC4264127 DOI: 10.3390/ijms151119535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2014] [Revised: 09/27/2014] [Accepted: 10/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We recently proposed a new surgical approach to treat ventral root avulsion, resulting in motoneuron protection. The present work combined such a surgical approach with bone marrow mononuclear cells (MC) therapy. Therefore, MC were added to the site of reimplantation. Female Lewis rats (seven weeks old) were subjected to unilateral ventral root avulsion (VRA) at L4, L5 and L6 levels and divided into the following groups (n = 5 for each group): Avulsion, sealant reimplanted roots and sealant reimplanted roots plus MC. After four weeks and 12 weeks post-surgery, the lumbar intumescences were processed by transmission electron microscopy, to analyze synaptic inputs to the repaired α motoneurons. Also, the ipsi and contralateral sciatic nerves were processed for axon counting and morphometry. The ultrastructural results indicated a significant preservation of inhibitory pre-synaptic boutons in the groups repaired with sealant alone and associated with MC therapy. Moreover, the average number of axons was higher in treated groups when compared to avulsion only. Complementary to the fiber counting, the morphometric analysis of axonal diameter and “g” ratio demonstrated that root reimplantation improved the motor component recovery. In conclusion, the data herein demonstrate that root reimplantation at the lesion site may be considered a therapeutic approach, following proximal lesions in the interface of central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS), and that MC therapy does not further improve the regenerative recovery, up to 12 weeks post lesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Barbizan
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), PO Box 6109, Campinas 13083-970, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Mateus V Castro
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), PO Box 6109, Campinas 13083-970, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Rui Seabra Ferreira
- Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18610-307, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Benedito Barraviera
- Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18610-307, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Alexandre L R Oliveira
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), PO Box 6109, Campinas 13083-970, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Benitez SU, Barbizan R, Spejo AB, Ferreira RS, Barraviera B, Góes AM, de Oliveira ALR. Synaptic plasticity and sensory-motor improvement following fibrin sealant dorsal root reimplantation and mononuclear cell therapy. Front Neuroanat 2014; 8:96. [PMID: 25249946 PMCID: PMC4158877 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2014.00096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2014] [Accepted: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Root lesions may affect both dorsal and ventral roots. However, due to the possibility of generating further inflammation and neuropathic pain, surgical procedures do not prioritize the repair of the afferent component. The loss of such sensorial input directly disturbs the spinal circuits thus affecting the functionality of the injuried limb. The present study evaluated the motor and sensory improvement following dorsal root reimplantation with fibrin sealant (FS) plus bone marrow mononuclear cells (MC) after dorsal rhizotomy. MC were used to enhance the repair process. We also analyzed changes in the glial response and synaptic circuits within the spinal cord. Female Lewis rats (6–8 weeks old) were divided in three groups: rhizotomy (RZ group), rhizotomy repaired with FS (RZ+FS group) and rhizotomy repaired with FS and MC (RZ+FS+MC group). The behavioral tests electronic von-Frey and Walking track test were carried out. For immunohistochemistry we used markers to detect different synapse profiles as well as glial reaction. The behavioral results showed a significant decrease in sensory and motor function after lesion. The reimplantation decreased glial reaction and improved synaptic plasticity of afferent inputs. Cell therapy further enhanced the rewiring process. In addition, both reimplanted groups presented twice as much motor control compared to the non-treated group. In conclusion, the reimplantation with FS and MC is efficient and may be considered an approach to improve sensory-motor recovery following dorsal rhizotomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzana U Benitez
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas Campinas, Brazil
| | - Roberta Barbizan
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas Campinas, Brazil
| | - Aline B Spejo
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas Campinas, Brazil
| | - Rui S Ferreira
- Center for Studies of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP), University of Sao Paulo "Julio de Mesquita Filho," Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Benedito Barraviera
- Center for Studies of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP), University of Sao Paulo "Julio de Mesquita Filho," Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Alfredo M Góes
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Alexandre L R de Oliveira
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas Campinas, Brazil
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Derakhshanrad N, Saberi H, Yekaninejad MS, Eskandari G, Mardani A, Rahdari F, Meybodi KT. Safety of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) administration for postrehabilitated motor complete spinal cord injury patients: an open-label, phase I study. Cell Transplant 2013; 22 Suppl 1:S139-46. [PMID: 23992648 DOI: 10.3727/096368913x672109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is a major growth factor in the activation and differentiation of granulocytes. This cytokine has been widely and safely employed in different conditions over many years. In this translational study, G-CSF is administered to 19 patients with chronic motor complete spinal cord injury, and outcomes are reported. All 19 patients received subcutaneous G-CSF (5 µg/kg per day) for 5 days and were followed for at least 6 months. The American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scale was used for motor and sensory assessment, and the International Association of Neurorestoratology-Spinal Cord Injury Functional Rating Scale (IANR-SCIFRS) and the Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) III were used to assess improvements in the ability to perform basic daily tasks. At the 6-month follow-up, upper extremity motor scores improved by 10, which was statistically significant (p = 0.007), whereas there were no significant changes in lower extremity motor scores. Also, the median of light touch sensory scores improved by 5 (p = 0.001). Pinprick sensory scores significantly improved (p = 0.002). The median increment in SCIM III total score was 7 (p = 0.001). The improvements in bladder and bowel management as well as moderate distance mobility subscales were also significant (p < 0.05). Total IANR-SCIFRS scores changed from 17 to 32, which was statistically significant (p = 0.001); again the bladder and bowel management subscale improvements were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Mild side effects of the G-CSF treatment such as bone pain, rash, fever, neuropathic pain, and spasticity were noted in a few patients; all of them resolved after 1 week. Our results indicate that G-CSF administration is a safe process and is associated with neurological as well as functional improvement. This manuscript is published as part of the International Association of Neurorestoratology (IANR) supplement issue of Cell Transplantation.
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Safety and efficacy of G-CSF mobilization and collection of autologous peripheral blood stem cells in children with cerebral palsy. Transfus Apher Sci 2013; 49:516-21. [PMID: 24035522 DOI: 10.1016/j.transci.2013.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2012] [Revised: 07/18/2013] [Accepted: 08/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
We hypothesized that mobilized peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs) could be useful for treating neurological impairments and therefore assessed the safety of administering G-CSF followed by collecting PBSC in children with cerebral palsy (CP). G-CSF (10 μg/kg/day) was administered subcutaneously for 5 days, and apheresis was performed to collect PBSC via central venous catheter. G-CSF-related events occurred in 3 patients (fever in 2, irritability in 1). No catheter-related complications were reported. None of the patients needed platelet transfusion or calcium replacement during apheresis. Mobilization with G-CSF followed by PBSC collection appears to be safe and feasible in CP children.
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Spejo AB, Carvalho JL, Goes AM, Oliveira ALR. Neuroprotective effects of mesenchymal stem cells on spinal motoneurons following ventral root axotomy: synapse stability and axonal regeneration. Neuroscience 2013; 250:715-32. [PMID: 23896572 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.07.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2013] [Revised: 07/18/2013] [Accepted: 07/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Compression of spinal roots is an important medical problem, which may arise from intervertebral disc herniation, tumor growth or as a result of high energy accidents. Differently from avulsion, root crushing maintains the central/peripheral nervous system (CNS/PNS) connection, although the axons are axotomized and motoneurons degenerate. Such neuronal death may decrease and delay motor function recovery. In the present study we have investigated the neuroprotective effects of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy following such proximal lesions. Motor recovery and synaptic stabilization were analyzed by the use of morphological and functional approaches. For that, crushing the ventral roots at L4, L5 and L6 was unilaterally performed in Lewis rats. Four weeks after injury, an increased motoneuron survival was observed in the MSC-treated group, coupled with a smaller decrease of inputs at the motoneuron surface and nearby neuropil, seen by synaptophysin and synapsin immunolabeling and decreased astrogliosis, seen by GFAP immunolabeling. In this sense, MSC-treated group displayed a significant preservation of GABAergic terminals, indicating a possible neuroprotection to glutamate excitotoxicity. Motor function recovery was acutely improved in MSC-treated group as compared to Dulbeco's modified eagle medium (DMEM)-treated. Overall, we provide evidence that ventral root crushing (VRC), although milder than avulsion, results in significant loss of motoneurons (~51%) that can be reduced by MSC administration within the spinal cord. Such treatment also improves the number of synapses immunoreactive against molecules present in inhibitory inputs. Also, an increased number of regenerated axons was obtained in the MSC-treated group, in comparison to the DMEM-treated control. Overall, MSC therapy acutely improved limb strength and gait coordination, indicating a possible clinical application of such treatment following proximal lesions at the CNS/PNS interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- A B Spejo
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), CP 6109, CEP 13083-970 Campinas, SP, Brazil
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Barbizan R, Castro MV, Rodrigues AC, Barraviera B, Ferreira RS, Oliveira ALR. Motor recovery and synaptic preservation after ventral root avulsion and repair with a fibrin sealant derived from snake venom. PLoS One 2013; 8:e63260. [PMID: 23667596 PMCID: PMC3646764 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0063260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2012] [Accepted: 04/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ventral root avulsion is an experimental model of proximal axonal injury at the central/peripheral nervous system interface that results in paralysis and poor clinical outcome after restorative surgery. Root reimplantation may decrease neuronal degeneration in such cases. We describe the use of a snake venom-derived fibrin sealant during surgical reconnection of avulsed roots at the spinal cord surface. The present work investigates the effects of this fibrin sealant on functional recovery, neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity, and glial reaction in the spinal motoneuron microenvironment after ventral root reimplantation. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Female Lewis rats (7 weeks old) were subjected to VRA and root replantation. The animals were divided into two groups: 1) avulsion only and 2) replanted roots with fibrin sealant derived from snake venom. Post-surgical motor performance was evaluated using the CatWalk system twice a week for 12 weeks. The rats were sacrificed 12 weeks after surgery, and their lumbar intumescences were processed for motoneuron counting and immunohistochemistry (GFAP, Iba-1 and synaptophysin antisera). Array based qRT-PCR was used to evaluate gene regulation of several neurotrophic factors and receptors as well as inflammatory related molecules. The results indicated that the root reimplantation with fibrin sealant enhanced motor recovery, preserved the synaptic covering of the motoneurons and improved neuronal survival. The replanted group did not show significant changes in microglial response compared to VRA-only. However, the astroglial reaction was significantly reduced in this group. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE In conclusion, the present data suggest that the repair of avulsed roots with snake venom fibrin glue at the exact point of detachment results in neuroprotection and preservation of the synaptic network at the microenvironment of the lesioned motoneurons. Also such procedure reduced the astroglial reaction and increased mRNA levels to neurotrophins and anti-inflammatory cytokines that may in turn, contribute to improving recovery of motor function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Barbizan
- Laboratory of Nerve Regeneration, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Anatomy, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Mateus V. Castro
- Laboratory of Nerve Regeneration, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Anatomy, Campinas, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Alexandre L. R. Oliveira
- Laboratory of Nerve Regeneration, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Anatomy, Campinas, Brazil
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