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Perez M, Cartarozzi LP, Chiarotto GB, Oliveira SAD, Guimarães FS, Oliveira ALRD. Neuronal preservation and reactive gliosis attenuation following neonatal sciatic nerve axotomy by a fluorinated cannabidiol derivative. Neuropharmacology 2018; 140:201-208. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2018] [Revised: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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2
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Carlstedt T, James N, Risling M. Surgical reconstruction of spinal cord circuit provides functional return in humans. Neural Regen Res 2018; 12:1960-1963. [PMID: 29323028 PMCID: PMC5784337 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.221145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
This mini review describes the current surgical strategy for restoring function after traumatic spinal nerve root avulsion in brachial or lumbosacral plexus injury in man. As this lesion is a spinal cord or central nervous injury functional return depends on spinal cord nerve cell growth within the central nervous system. Basic science, clinical research and human application has demonstrated good and useful motor function after ventral root avulsion followed by spinal cord reimplantation. Recently, sensory return could be demonstrated following spinal cord surgery bypassing the injured primary sensory neuron. Experimental data showed that most of the recovery depended on new growth reinnervating peripheral receptors. Restored sensory function and the return of spinal reflex was demonstrated by electrophysiology and functional magnetic resonance imaging of human cortex. This spinal cord surgery is a unique treatment of central nervous system injury resulting in useful functional return. Further improvements will not depend on surgical improvements. Adjuvant therapy aiming at ameliorating the activity in retinoic acid elements in dorsal root ganglion neurons could be a new therapeutic avenue in restoring spinal cord circuits after nerve root avulsion injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Carlstedt
- The Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas James
- The Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mårten Risling
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
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Biscola NP, Cartarozzi LP, Ulian-Benitez S, Barbizan R, Castro MV, Spejo AB, Ferreira RS, Barraviera B, Oliveira ALR. Multiple uses of fibrin sealant for nervous system treatment following injury and disease. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2017; 23:13. [PMID: 28293254 PMCID: PMC5348778 DOI: 10.1186/s40409-017-0103-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Lesions to the nervous system often produce hemorrhage and tissue loss that are difficult, if not impossible, to repair. Therefore, scar formation, inflammation and cavitation take place, expanding the lesion epicenter. This significantly worsens the patient conditions and impairment, increasing neuronal loss and glial reaction, which in turn further decreases the chances of a positive outcome. The possibility of using hemostatic substances that also function as a scaffold, such as the fibrin sealant, reduces surgical time and improve postoperative recovery. To date, several studies have demonstrated that human blood derived fibrin sealant produces positive effects in different interventions, becoming an efficient alternative to suturing. To provide an alternative to homologous fibrin sealants, the Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP, Brazil) has proposed a new bioproduct composed of certified animal components, including a thrombin-like enzyme obtained from snake venom and bubaline fibrinogen. Thus, the present review brings up to date literature assessment on the use of fibrin sealant for nervous system repair and positions the new heterologous bioproduct from CEVAP as an alternative to the commercial counterparts. In this way, clinical and pre-clinical data are discussed in different topics, ranging from central nervous system to peripheral nervous system applications, specifying positive results as well as future enhancements that are necessary for improving the use of fibrin sealant therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Perussi Biscola
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School, Univ Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP Brazil.,Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP), Univ Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP Brazil.,Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Laboratory of Nerve Regeneration, CEP 13083-970 Campinas, SP Brazil
| | - Luciana Politti Cartarozzi
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Laboratory of Nerve Regeneration, CEP 13083-970 Campinas, SP Brazil
| | - Suzana Ulian-Benitez
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Laboratory of Nerve Regeneration, CEP 13083-970 Campinas, SP Brazil.,Neuro Development Lab, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, England UK
| | - Roberta Barbizan
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Laboratory of Nerve Regeneration, CEP 13083-970 Campinas, SP Brazil.,The School of Medicine at Mucuri (FAMMUC), Federal University of Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys (UFVJM), 39803-371 Teófilo Otoni, MG Brazil
| | - Mateus Vidigal Castro
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Laboratory of Nerve Regeneration, CEP 13083-970 Campinas, SP Brazil
| | - Aline Barroso Spejo
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Laboratory of Nerve Regeneration, CEP 13083-970 Campinas, SP Brazil
| | - Rui Seabra Ferreira
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School, Univ Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP Brazil.,Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP), Univ Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP Brazil
| | - Benedito Barraviera
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School, Univ Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP Brazil.,Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP), Univ Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP Brazil
| | - Alexandre Leite Rodrigues Oliveira
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Laboratory of Nerve Regeneration, CEP 13083-970 Campinas, SP Brazil
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Karalija A, Novikova LN, Orädd G, Wiberg M, Novikov LN. Differentiation of Pre- and Postganglionic Nerve Injury Using MRI of the Spinal Cord. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0168807. [PMID: 28036395 PMCID: PMC5201258 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0168807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Brachial plexus injury (BPI) is a devastating type of nerve injury, potentially causing loss of motor and sensory function. Principally, BPI is either categorized as preganglionic or postganglionic, with the early establishment of injury level being crucial for choosing the correct treatment strategy. Despite diagnostic advances, the need for a reliable, non-invasive method for establishing the injury level remains. We studied the usefulness of in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spinal cord for determination of injury level. The findings were related to neuronal and glial changes. Rats underwent unilateral L4 & L5 ventral roots avulsion or sciatic nerve axotomy. The injuries served as models for pre- and postganglionic BPI, respectively. MRI of the L4/L5 spinal cord segments 4 weeks after avulsion showed ventral horn (VH) shrinkage on the injured side compared to the uninjured side. Axotomy induced no change in the VH size on MRI. Following avulsion, histological sections of L4/L5 revealed shrinkage in the VH grey matter area occupied by NeuN-positive neurons, loss of microtubular-associated protein-2 positive dendritic branches (MAP2), pan-neurofilament positive axons (PanNF), synaptophysin-positive synapses (SYN) and increase in immunoreactivity for the microglial OX42 and astroglial GFAP markers. Axotomy induced no changes in NeuN-reactivity, modest decrease of MAP2 immunoreactivity, no changes in SYN and PanNF labelling, and a modest increase in OX42 and SYN labeling. Histological and radiological findings were congruent when assessing changes after axotomy, while MRI somewhat underestimated the shrinkage. This study indicates a potential diagnostic value of structural spinal cord MRI following BPI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amar Karalija
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Section of Anatomy, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Department of Surgical and Perioperative Science, Section of Hand and Plastic Surgery, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- * E-mail:
| | - Liudmila N. Novikova
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Section of Anatomy, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Greger Orädd
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Section of Physiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Umeå Centre for Comparative Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Mikael Wiberg
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Section of Anatomy, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Department of Surgical and Perioperative Science, Section of Hand and Plastic Surgery, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Lev N. Novikov
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Section of Anatomy, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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Carlstedt T. New Treatments for Spinal Nerve Root Avulsion Injury. Front Neurol 2016; 7:135. [PMID: 27602018 PMCID: PMC4994285 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2016.00135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Further progress in the treatment of the longitudinal spinal cord injury has been made. In an inverted translational study, it has been demonstrated that return of sensory function can be achieved by bypassing the avulsed dorsal root ganglion neurons. Dendritic growth from spinal cord sensory neurons could replace dorsal root ganglion axons and re-establish a reflex arch. Another research avenue has led to the development of adjuvant therapy for regeneration following dorsal root to spinal cord implantation in root avulsion injury. A small, lipophilic molecule that can be given orally acts on the retinoic acid receptor system as an agonist. Upregulation of dorsal root ganglion regenerative ability and organization of glia reaction to injury were demonstrated in treated animals. The dual effect of this substance may open new avenues for the treatment of root avulsion and spinal cord injuries.
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Lo FS, Erzurumlu RS. Sensory Activity-Dependent and Sensory Activity-Independent Properties of the Developing Rodent Trigeminal Principal Nucleus. Dev Neurosci 2016; 38:163-170. [PMID: 27287019 DOI: 10.1159/000446395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 04/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The whisker-sensory trigeminal central pathway of rodents is an established model for studies of activity-dependent neural plasticity. The first relay station of the pathway is the trigeminal principal nucleus (PrV), the ventral part of which receives sensory inputs mainly from the infraorbital branch of the maxillary trigeminal nerve (ION). Whisker-sensory afferents play an important role in the development of the morphological and physiological properties of PrV neurons. In neonates, deafferentation by ION transection leads to the disruption of whisker-related neural patterns (barrelettes) and cell death within a specific time window (critical period), as revealed by morphological studies. Whisker-sensory inputs control synaptic elimination, postsynaptic AMPA receptor trafficking, astrocyte-mediated synaptogenesis, and receptive-field characteristics of PrV cells, without a postnatal critical period. Sensory activity-dependent synaptic plasticity requires the activation of NMDA receptors and involves the participation of glia. However, the basic physiological properties of PrV neurons, such as cell type-specific ion channels, presynaptic terminal function, postsynaptic NMDA receptor subunit composition, and formation of the inhibitory circuitry, are independent of sensory inputs. Therefore, the first relay station of the whisker sensation is largely mature-like and functional at birth. Delineation of activity-dependent and activity-independent features of the postnatal PrV is important for understanding the development and functional characteristics of downstream trigeminal stations in the thalamus and neocortex. This mini review focuses on such features of the developing rodent PrV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu-Sun Lo
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md., USA
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Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Progenitors Assist Functional Sensory Axon Regeneration after Dorsal Root Avulsion Injury. Sci Rep 2015; 5:10666. [PMID: 26053681 PMCID: PMC4459081 DOI: 10.1038/srep10666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 04/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Dorsal root avulsion results in permanent impairment of sensory functions due to disconnection between the peripheral and central nervous system. Improved strategies are therefore needed to reconnect injured sensory neurons with their spinal cord targets in order to achieve functional repair after brachial and lumbosacral plexus avulsion injuries. Here, we show that sensory functions can be restored in the adult mouse if avulsed sensory fibers are bridged with the spinal cord by human neural progenitor (hNP) transplants. Responses to peripheral mechanical sensory stimulation were significantly improved in transplanted animals. Transganglionic tracing showed host sensory axons only in the spinal cord dorsal horn of treated animals. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed that sensory fibers had grown through the bridge and showed robust survival and differentiation of the transplants. Section of the repaired dorsal roots distal to the transplant completely abolished the behavioral improvement. This demonstrates that hNP transplants promote recovery of sensorimotor functions after dorsal root avulsion, and that these effects are mediated by spinal ingrowth of host sensory axons. These results provide a rationale for the development of novel stem cell-based strategies for functionally useful bridging of the peripheral and central nervous system.
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Spejo AB, Oliveira ALR. Synaptic rearrangement following axonal injury: Old and new players. Neuropharmacology 2014; 96:113-23. [PMID: 25445484 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2014.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2014] [Revised: 11/03/2014] [Accepted: 11/04/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Following axotomy, the contact between motoneurons and muscle fibers is disrupted, triggering a retrograde reaction at the neuron cell body within the spinal cord. Together with chromatolysis, a hallmark of such response to injury is the elimination of presynaptic terminals apposing to the soma and proximal dendrites of the injured neuron. Excitatory inputs are preferentially eliminated, leaving the cells under an inhibitory influence during the repair process. This is particularly important to avoid glutamate excitotoxicity. Such shift from transmission to a regeneration state is also reflected by deep metabolic changes, seen by the regulation of several genes related to cell survival and axonal growth. It is unclear, however, how exactly synaptic stripping occurs, but there is substantial evidence that glial cells play an active role in this process. In one hand, immune molecules, such as the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I, members of the complement family and Toll-like receptors are actively involved in the elimination/reapposition of presynaptic boutons. On the other hand, plastic changes that involve sprouting might be negatively regulated by extracellular matrix proteins such as Nogo-A, MAG and scar-related chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans. Also, neurotrophins, stem cells, physical exercise and several drugs seem to improve synaptic stability, leading to functional recovery after lesion. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Neuroimmunology and Synaptic Function'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Barroso Spejo
- Laboratory of Nerve Regeneration, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Alexandre L R Oliveira
- Laboratory of Nerve Regeneration, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
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Li L, Zuo Y, He J. Preconditioning crush increases the survival rate of motor neurons after spinal root avulsion. Neural Regen Res 2014. [PMID: 25206852 PMCID: PMC4153498 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.130096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In a previous study, heat shock protein 27 was persistently upregulated in ventral motor neurons following nerve root avulsion or crush. Here, we examined whether the upregulation of heat shock protein 27 would increase the survival rate of motor neurons. Rats were divided into two groups: an avulsion-only group (avulsion of the L4 lumbar nerve root only) and a crush-avulsion group (the L4 lumbar nerve root was crushed 1 week prior to the avulsion). Immunofluorescent staining revealed that the survival rate of motor neurons was significantly greater in the crush-avulsion group than in the avulsion-only group, and this difference remained for at least 5 weeks after avulsion. The higher neuronal survival rate may be explained by the upregulation of heat shock protein 27 expression in motor neurons in the crush-avulsion group. Furthermore, preconditioning crush greatly attenuated the expression of nitric oxide synthase in the motor neurons. Our findings indicate that the neuroprotective action of preconditioning crush is mediated through the upregulation of heat shock protein 27 expression and the attenuation of neuronal nitric oxide synthase upregulation following avulsion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Li
- Department of Human Anatomy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yizhi Zuo
- Department of Human Anatomy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jianwen He
- Department of Human Anatomy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
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Trolle C, Konig N, Abrahamsson N, Vasylovska S, Kozlova EN. Boundary cap neural crest stem cells homotopically implanted to the injured dorsal root transitional zone give rise to different types of neurons and glia in adult rodents. BMC Neurosci 2014; 15:60. [PMID: 24884373 PMCID: PMC4055944 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2202-15-60] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2013] [Accepted: 04/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The boundary cap is a transient group of neural crest-derived cells located at the presumptive dorsal root transitional zone (DRTZ) when sensory axons enter the spinal cord during development. Later, these cells migrate to dorsal root ganglia and differentiate into subtypes of sensory neurons and glia. After birth when the DRTZ is established, sensory axons are no longer able to enter the spinal cord. Here we explored the fate of mouse boundary cap neural crest stem cells (bNCSCs) implanted to the injured DRTZ after dorsal root avulsion for their potential to assist sensory axon regeneration. Results Grafted cells showed extensive survival and differentiation after transplantation to the avulsed DRTZ. Transplanted cells located outside the spinal cord organized elongated tubes of Sox2/GFAP expressing cells closely associated with regenerating sensory axons or appeared as small clusters on the surface of the spinal cord. Other cells, migrating into the host spinal cord as single cells, differentiated to spinal cord neurons with different neurotransmitter characteristics, extensive fiber organization, and in some cases surrounded by glutamatergic terminal-like profiles. Conclusions These findings demonstrate that bNCSCs implanted at the site of dorsal root avulsion injury display remarkable differentiation plasticity inside the spinal cord and in the peripheral compartment where they organize tubes associated with regenerating sensory fibers. These properties offer a basis for exploring the ability of bNCSCs to assist regeneration of sensory axons into the spinal cord and replace lost neurons in the injured spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Elena N Kozlova
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University Biomedical Center, Box 593, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden.
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Konig N, Trolle C, Kapuralin K, Adameyko I, Mitrecic D, Aldskogius H, Shortland PJ, Kozlova EN. Murine neural crest stem cells and embryonic stem cell-derived neuron precursors survive and differentiate after transplantation in a model of dorsal root avulsion. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2014; 11:129-137. [PMID: 24753366 DOI: 10.1002/term.1893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Spinal root avulsion results in paralysis and sensory loss, and is commonly associated with chronic pain. In addition to the failure of avulsed dorsal root axons to regenerate into the spinal cord, avulsion injury leads to extensive neuroinflammation and degeneration of second-order neurons in the dorsal horn. The ultimate objective in the treatment of this condition is to counteract degeneration of spinal cord neurons and to achieve functionally useful regeneration/reconnection of sensory neurons with spinal cord neurons. Here we compare survival and migration of murine boundary cap neural crest stem cells (bNCSCs) and embryonic stem cells (ESCs)-derived, predifferentiated neuron precursors after their implantation acutely at the junction between avulsed dorsal roots L3-L6 and the spinal cord. Both types of cells survived transplantation, but showed distinctly different modes of migration. Thus, bNCSCs migrated into the spinal cord, expressed glial markers and formed elongated tubes in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) compartment of the avulsed dorsal root transitional zone (DRTZ) area. In contrast, the ESC transplants remained at the site of implantation and differentiated to motor neurons and interneurons. These data show that both stem cell types successfully survived implantation to the acutely injured spinal cord and maintained their differentiation and migration potential. These data suggest that, depending on the source of neural stem cells, they can play different beneficial roles for recovery after dorsal root avulsion. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niclas Konig
- Department of Neuroscience, Regenerative Neurobiology, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | - Carl Trolle
- Department of Neuroscience, Regenerative Neurobiology, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | - Katarina Kapuralin
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Croatia
| | - Igor Adameyko
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dinko Mitrecic
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Croatia
| | - Hakan Aldskogius
- Department of Neuroscience, Regenerative Neurobiology, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | - Peter J Shortland
- Centre for Neuroscience and Trauma, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, UK
| | - Elena N Kozlova
- Department of Neuroscience, Regenerative Neurobiology, Uppsala University, Sweden
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Chew DJ, Carlstedt T, Shortland PJ. The effects of minocycline or riluzole treatment on spinal root avulsion-induced pain in adult rats. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2014; 15:664-75. [PMID: 24667712 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2014.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2013] [Revised: 02/13/2014] [Accepted: 03/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Spinal root avulsion produces tactile and thermal hypersensitivity, neurodegeneration, and microglial and astrocyte activation in both the deafferented and the adjacent intact spinal cord segments. Following avulsion of the fifth lumbar spinal root, immediate and prolonged treatment with riluzole or minocycline for 2 weeks altered the development of behavioral hypersensitivity. Riluzole delayed the onset of thermal and tactile hypersensitivity and partially reversed established pain behavior. Minocycline effectively prevented and reversed both types of behavioral change. Histologic analysis revealed that both drugs reduced microglial staining in the spinal cord, with minocycline being more effective than riluzole. Astrocyte activation was ameliorated to a lesser extent. Surprisingly, neither drug provided a neuroprotective effect on avulsed motoneurons. PERSPECTIVE Immediate treatment of spinal root avulsion injuries with minocycline or riluzole prevents the onset of evoked pain hypersensitivity by reducing microglial cell activation. When treatment is delayed, minocycline, but not riluzole, reverses pre-established hypersensitivity. Thus, these drugs may provide a new translational treatment option for chronic avulsion injury pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Chew
- Centre for Neuroscience and Trauma, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Thomas Carlstedt
- Peripheral Nerve Injury Unit, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Peter J Shortland
- Centre for Neuroscience and Trauma, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
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Chew DJ, Murrell K, Carlstedt T, Shortland PJ. Segmental spinal root avulsion in the adult rat: a model to study avulsion injury pain. J Neurotrauma 2013; 30:160-72. [PMID: 22934818 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2012.2481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Road traffic accidents are the most common cause of avulsion injury, in which spinal roots are torn from the spinal cord. Patients suffer from a loss of sensorimotor function, intractable spontaneous pain, and border-zone hypersensitivity. The neuropathic pains are particularly difficult to treat because the lack of a well-established animal model of avulsion injury prevents identifying the underlying mechanisms and hinders the development of efficacious drugs. This article describes a hindlimb model of avulsion injury in adult rats where the L5 dorsal and ventral spinal root are unilaterally avulsed (spinal root avulsion [SRA]), leaving the adjacent L4 spinal root intact. SRA produced a significant ipsilateral hypersensitivity to mechanical and thermal stimulation by 5 days compared with sham-operated or naïve rats. This hypersensitivity is maintained for up to 60 days. No autotomy was observed and locomotor deficits were minimal. The hypersensitivity to peripheral stimuli could be temporarily ameliorated by administration of amitriptyline and carbamazepine, drugs that are currently prescribed to avulsion patients. Histological assessment of the L4 ganglion cells revealed no significant alterations in calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), IB4, transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TrpV1), or N52 staining across groups. Immunohistochemistry of the spinal cord revealed a localized glial response, phagocyte infiltration, and neuronal loss within the ipsilateral avulsed segment. A comparable response from glia and phagocytes was also found in the intact L4 spinal cord, supporting the role for central mechanisms within the L4-5 spinal cord in contributing to the generation of the pain-related behavior. The SRA model provides a platform to investigate possible new pharmacological treatments for avulsion injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Chew
- Centre for Neuroscience and Trauma, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Newark Street, London, United Kingdom.
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Carlstedt T, Havton L. The longitudinal spinal cord injury: lessons from intraspinal plexus, cauda equina and medullary conus lesions. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2012; 109:337-54. [PMID: 23098723 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-52137-8.00021-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Spinal nerve root avulsion injury interrupts the transverse segmental spinal cord nerve fibers. There is degeneration of sensory, motor, and autonomic axons, loss of synapses, deterioration of local segmental connections, nerve cell death, and reactions among non neuronal cells with central nerve system (CNS) scar formation, i.e., a cascade of events similar to those known to occur in any injury to the spinal cord. This is the longitudinal spinal cord injury (SCI). For function to be restored, nerve cells must survive and there must be regrowth of new nerve fibers along a trajectory consisting of CNS growth-inhibitory tissue in the spinal cord as well as peripheral nervous system (PNS) growth-promoting tissue in nerves. Basic science results have been translated into a successful surgical strategy to treat root avulsion injuries in man. In humans, this technique is currently the most promising treatment of any spinal cord injury, with return of useful muscle function together with pain alleviation. Experimental studies have also identified potential candidates for adjunctive therapies that, together with surgical replantation of avulsed roots after brachial plexus and cauda equina injuries, can restore not only motor but also autonomic and sensory trajectories to augment the recovery of neurological function. This is the first example of a spinal cord lesion that can be treated surgically, leading to restoration of somatic and autonomic activity and alleviation of pain.
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Chew DJ, Carlstedt T, Shortland PJ. A comparative histological analysis of two models of nerve root avulsion injury in the adult rat. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2011; 37:613-32. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2990.2011.01176.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Lindå H, Sköld MK, Ochsmann T. Activating transcription factor 3, a useful marker for regenerative response after nerve root injury. Front Neurol 2011; 2:30. [PMID: 21629765 PMCID: PMC3099310 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2011.00030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2011] [Accepted: 05/04/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) is induced in various tissues in response to stress. In this experiment, ATF3 expression was studied in adult rats subjected either to a dorsal or ventral root avulsion (VRA; L4-6), or sciatic nerve transection (SNT). Post-operative survival times varied between 1.5 h and 3 weeks. In additional experiments an avulsed ventral root was directly replanted to the spinal cord. Dorsal root ganglias (DRGs) from humans exposed to traumatic dorsal root avulsions were also examined. After SNT ATF3 immunoreactivity (ATF3 IR) was detected in a few DRG neurons already 6 h after the lesion. After 24 h the number had clearly increased and still at 3 weeks DRG neurons remained labeled. In the ventral horn, ATF3 IR in motoneurons (MN) was first detected 24 h after the SNT, and still 3 weeks post-operatively lesioned MN showed ATF3 labeling. After a VRA many spinal MN showed ATF3 IR already after 3 h, and after 6 h all MN were labeled. At 3 weeks a majority of the lesioned MN had died, but all the remaining ones were labeled. When an avulsed ventral root was directly replanted, MN survived and were still labeled at 5 weeks. In DRG, a few neurons were labeled already at 1.5 h after a dorsal root avulsion. At 24 h the number had increased but still only a minority of the neurons were labeled. At 3 days the number of labeled neurons was reduced, and a further reduction was at hand at 7 days and 3 weeks. In parallel, in humans, 3 days after a traumatic dorsal root avulsion, only a few DRG neurons showed ATF3 IR. At 6 weeks no labeled neurons could be detected. These facts imply that ATF3 response to axotomy involves a distance-dependent mechanism. ATF3 also appears to be a useful and reliable neuronal marker of nerve lesions even in humans. In addition, ATF3 up-regulation in both motor and sensory neurons seems to be linked to regenerative competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Lindå
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet Stockholm, Sweden
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Carlstedt T. Perspectives on the treatment of the longitudinal spinal cord injury. Front Neurol 2010; 1:11. [PMID: 21206763 PMCID: PMC3009445 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2010.00011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2010] [Accepted: 05/31/2010] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The current technique for surgical treatment of the longitudinal spinal cord injury has proven to be successful for restoration of some motor function and alleviation of pain. This has been the first step in finding a cure for spinal cord injuries, but so far there are many obstacles still to be overcome. In this particular injury return of function from spinal cord surgery is only partial. Some of the main remaining problems are related to injury-induced neuronal death, direction and specificity of regeneration and muscle, and receptor disintegration from long time denervation. Currently this is a surgical procedure without any adjuvant treatments. In order to gain further functional improvement combinational therapies developed in basic science experiments are essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Carlstedt
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Hand Surgery, Karolinska Institute, Södersjukhusetc Stockholm, Sweden
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Raisman G, Carlstedt T, Choi D, Li Y. Clinical prospects for transplantation of OECs in the repair of brachial and lumbosacral plexus injuries: opening a door. Exp Neurol 2010; 229:168-73. [PMID: 20488179 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2010.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2010] [Revised: 05/10/2010] [Accepted: 05/12/2010] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The reparative effects of olfactory ensheathing cells have largely been examined in lesions entirely within the CNS. There is, however, evidence that they can induce the ingrowth of severed dorsal root axons and increase the outgrowth of severed ventral root axons. The ingrowth of dorsal root axons results in reinnervation of appropriate regions in the spinal cord and dorsal column nuclei with restoration of electrical transmission and muscular control. This article discusses the further possibilities of these observations in rat studies and their potential translation to clinical injuries. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Understanding olfactory ensheathing glia and their prospect for nervous system repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey Raisman
- Spinal Repair Unit, Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, UK.
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Carlstedt T, Hultgren T, Nyman T, Hansson T. Cortical activity and hand function restoration in a patient after spinal cord surgery. Nat Rev Neurol 2009; 5:571-4. [PMID: 19794515 DOI: 10.1038/nrneurol.2009.137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Following a motorcycle accident, a 9-year-old boy experienced a complete right-sided (dominant) arm and hand paralysis with total sensory loss, Horner syndrome and severe constant pain. This study assessed the long-term outcome of spinal cord surgery undertaken on the patient, focusing on the restored hand function and related cortical activity. The study follows on from previous reports on the same patient. INVESTIGATIONS Clinical functional and electrophysiological examinations. Functional MRI of cortical activity. DIAGNOSIS Complete brachial plexus (C5-T1) avulsion from the spinal cord. MANAGEMENT Spinal cord surgery to restore motor trajectories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Carlstedt
- The PNI-Unit, The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, UK
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Ahmed Z, Jacques SJ, Berry M, Logan A. Epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors promote CNS axon growth through off-target effects on glia. Neurobiol Dis 2009; 36:142-50. [PMID: 19632327 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2009.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2009] [Revised: 05/21/2009] [Accepted: 07/13/2009] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Administration of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors (e.g. AG1478/PD168393) promotes central nervous system (CNS) axon regeneration in vivo by an unknown mechanism. Here, we show that EGFR activation is not required for AG1478-/PD168393-induced neurite outgrowth in cultures of dorsal root ganglion neurons (DRGN) with added inhibitory CNS myelin extract (CME), but is mediated by the paracrine and autocrine actions of the glia-/neuron-derived neurotrophins (NT) NGF, BDNF and NT-3 through Trk signalling in DRGN potentiated by elevated cAMP levels. The DRGN neurite growth seen in CME-inhibited cultures treated with AG1478 is eradicated by blocking Trk signalling but undiminished after siRNA knockdown of >90% EGFR. Moreover, addition of the combined triplet of NT restores neurite outgrowth in CME-inhibited cultures, when cAMP levels are raised. Accordingly, we suggest that chemical EGFR inhibitors act independently of EGFR, inducing glia and neurons to secrete NT and raising cAMP levels in DRG cultures, leading to Trk-dependent disinhibited DRGN neurite outgrowth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zubair Ahmed
- Molecular Neuroscience Group, School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Institute of Biomedical Research (West), Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.
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Liu S, Bohl D, Blanchard S, Bacci J, Saïd G, Heard JM. Combination of microsurgery and gene therapy for spinal dorsal root injury repair. Mol Ther 2009; 17:992-1002. [PMID: 19240691 PMCID: PMC2835177 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2009.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2008] [Accepted: 01/20/2009] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Brachial plexus injury is frequent after traffic accident in adults or shoulder dystocia in newborns. Whereas surgery can restore arm movements, therapeutic options are missing for sensory defects. Dorsal root (DR) ganglion neurons convey sensory information to the central nervous system (CNS) through a peripheral and a central axon. Central axons severed through DR section or avulsion during brachial plexus injury inefficiently regenerate and do not reenter the spinal cord. We show that a combination of microsurgery and gene therapy circumvented the functional barrier to axonal regrowth at the peripheral and CNS interface. After cervical DR section in rats, microsurgery restored anatomical continuity through a nerve graft that laterally connected the injured DR to an intact DR. Gene transfer to cells in the nerve graft induced the local release of neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and stimulated axonal regrowth. Central DR ganglion axons efficiently regenerated and invaded appropriate areas of the spinal cord dorsal horn, leading to partial recovery of nociception and proprioception. Microsurgery created conditions for functional restoration of DR ganglion central axons, which were improved in combination with gene therapy. This combination treatment provides means to reduce disability due to somatosensory defects after brachial plexus injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Liu
- Unité Rétrovirus et Transfert Génétique, INSERM U622, Department of Neuroscience, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
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Zhang Y, Hao CG, Hu LQ, Dong J, Wei P, Xu D, Xiao ZC, Wang TH. Recombinant DNA vaccine against inhibition of neurite outgrowth promotes functional recovery associated with endogeous NGF expression in spinal cord hemisected adult rats. Neurochem Res 2009; 34:1635-41. [PMID: 19337830 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-009-9951-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2008] [Accepted: 03/05/2009] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Axonal regeneration across the site of spinal cord lesion is often aborted in adult mammalian species. The use of DNA vaccine to nullify the inhibitory molecules has been shown to be effective in promoting axonal regeneration in injured spinal cord. The possible molecular mechanisms, however, remain to be elucidated. The present study showed that the administration of recombinant DNA vaccine encoding multiple domains, Nogo-66, Nogo-N, TnR, and MAG, significantly improved hindlimb locomotor functions in rats subjected to ablation of the dorsal halves of the cord. Western blot analysis demonstrated that nerve growth factor (NGF) levels in the spinal cord of immunized rats were significantly upregulated than those of control rats. Immunohistochemistry as well as in situ hybridization confirmed that NGF was expressed in neurons of the spinal cord. These findings indicated that functional recovery in immunized rats could be correlated with endogeous NGF expression in hemisected rat spinal cords.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Institute of Neurological Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Gushchina S, Leinster V, Wu D, Jasim A, Demestre M, Lopez de Heredia L, Michael GJ, Barker PA, Richardson PM, Magoulas C. Observations on the function of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) in the survival of adult primary sensory neurons after nerve injury. Mol Cell Neurosci 2008; 40:207-16. [PMID: 19049877 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2008.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2008] [Revised: 10/13/2008] [Accepted: 10/16/2008] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Peripheral nerve transections cause much more neuronal death in embryonic and neonatal dorsal root ganglia (DRG) than in adult DRG. Here we used transgenic approaches to examine the hypothesis that NF-kappaB is an important intrinsic factor of adult DRG neurons for their in vivo capacity to survive after nerve injury. We generated transgenic mice expressing the NF-kappaB super-inhibitor (IkappaBalpha-SI), a multi-mutant form of IkappaBalpha, specifically in adult neurons. Adult DRG neurons in these transgenic animals are not abnormally susceptible to apoptosis after peripheral nerve injury, although there is a significant inhibition in the ability of NF-kappaB to translocate into their nucleus. We investigated the observed lack of NF-kappaB neuroprotective function at the level of NF-kappaB transcriptional activity using transgenic NF-kappaB/LacZ reporter mice. We show that the expression of the NF-kappaB reporter transgene is restricted in naïve and injured DRG neurons. However, NF-kappaB transcriptional activity in adult DRG neurons is evident upon exposure to Trichostatin A (TSA) which is a specific inhibitor of histone deacetylases. Taken together our results illustrate that the functions of NF-kappaB are limited in adult primary sensory neurons due to a transcriptional repression mechanism mediated by histone deacetylases, and that intrinsic neuroprotective factors other than NF-kappaB are responsible for the resistance of adult DRG neurons to apoptosis in response to nerve injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Gushchina
- Neuroscience Centre, Institute of Cell and Molecular Science, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary, University of London, 4 Newark Street, Whitechapel, London E12AT, UK
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