1
|
Gao X, Jin B, Zhou X, Bai J, Zhong H, Zhao K, Huang Z, Wang C, Zhu J, Qin Q. Recent advances in the application of gasotransmitters in spinal cord injury. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:277. [PMID: 38783332 PMCID: PMC11112916 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02523-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) is a condition characterized by complete or incomplete motor and sensory impairment, as well as dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, caused by factors such as trauma, tumors, or inflammation. Current treatment methods primarily include traditional approaches like spinal canal decompression and internal fixation surgery, steroid pulse therapy, as well as newer techniques such as stem cell transplantation and brain-spinal cord interfaces. However, the above methods have limited efficacy in promoting axonal and neuronal regeneration. The challenge in medical research today lies in promoting spinal cord neuron regeneration and regulating the disrupted microenvironment of the spinal cord. Studies have shown that gas molecular therapy is increasingly used in medical research, with gasotransmitters such as hydrogen sulfide, nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, oxygen, and hydrogen exhibiting neuroprotective effects in central nervous system diseases. The gas molecular protect against neuronal death and reshape the microenvironment of spinal cord injuries by regulating oxidative, inflammatory and apoptotic processes. At present, gas therapy mainly relies on inhalation for systemic administration, which cannot effectively enrich and release gas in the spinal cord injury area, making it difficult to achieve the expected effects. With the rapid development of nanotechnology, the use of nanocarriers to achieve targeted enrichment and precise control release of gas at Sites of injury has become one of the emerging research directions in SCI. It has shown promising therapeutic effects in preclinical studies and is expected to bring new hope and opportunities for the treatment of SCI. In this review, we will briefly outline the therapeutic effects and research progress of gasotransmitters and nanogas in the treatment of SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Gao
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bingrong Jin
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaozhong Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jinyu Bai
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hao Zhong
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kai Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zongrui Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiang Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Qin Qin
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, Jiangsu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Trehalose-Carnosine Prevents the Effects of Spinal Cord Injury Through Regulating Acute Inflammation and Zinc(II) Ion Homeostasis. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2022; 43:1637-1659. [PMID: 36121569 PMCID: PMC10079760 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-022-01273-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to long-term and permanent motor dysfunctions, and nervous system abnormalities. Injury to the spinal cord triggers a signaling cascade that results in activation of the inflammatory cascade, apoptosis, and Zn(II) ion homeostasis. Trehalose (Tre), a nonreducing disaccharide, and L-carnosine (Car), (β-alanyl-L-histidine), one of the endogenous histidine dipeptides have been recognized to suppress early inflammatory effects, oxidative stress and to possess neuroprotective effects. We report on the effects of the conjugation of Tre with Car (Tre-car) in reducing inflammation in in vitro and in vivo models. The in vitro study was performed using rat pheochromocytoma cells (PC12 cell line). After 24 h, Tre-car, Car, Tre, and Tre + Car mixture treatments, cells were collected and used to investigate Zn2+ homeostasis. The in vivo model of SCI was induced by extradural compression of the spinal cord at the T6-T8 levels. After treatments with Tre, Car and Tre-Car conjugate 1 and 6 h after SCI, spinal cord tissue was collected for analysis. In vitro results demonstrated the ionophore effect and chelating features of L-carnosine and its conjugate. In vivo, the Tre-car conjugate treatment counteracted the activation of the early inflammatory cascade, oxidative stress and apoptosis after SCI. The Tre-car conjugate stimulated neurotrophic factors release, and influenced Zn2+ homeostasis. We demonstrated that Tre-car, Tre and Car treatments improved tissue recovery after SCI. Tre-car decreased proinflammatory, oxidative stress mediators release, upregulated neurotrophic factors and restored Zn2+ homeostasis, suggesting that Tre-car may represent a promising therapeutic agent for counteracting the consequences of SCI.
Collapse
|
3
|
Nazari-Robati M, Akbari M, Khaksari M, Mirzaee M. Trehalose attenuates spinal cord injury through the regulation of oxidative stress, inflammation and GFAP expression in rats. J Spinal Cord Med 2019; 42:387-394. [PMID: 30513271 PMCID: PMC6522923 DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2018.1527077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Inflammation and oxidative stress are implicated in pathogenesis of spinal cord injury (SCI). Trehalose, a nonreducing disaccharide, exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The present study investigated the therapeutic efficacy of trehalose in the SCI model. DESIGN AND SETTING An experimental study was designed using 120 male Wistar rats which were randomly divided into three groups including SCI, SCI + phosphate buffer saline (vehicle) and SCI + trehalose. All rats were subjected to SCI. Immediately after SCI, vehicle and trehalose groups received intrathecal injection of buffer and trehalose, respectively. OUTCOME MEASURES The level of tissue TNFα, IL-1β, nitric oxide, malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) as well as hindlimb function were assessed at 4 hours, 1, 3 and 7 days post-SCI. RESULTS Data indicated an early significant decrease in inflammatory and oxidative responses following SCI in trehalose treated group. Moreover, trehalose reduced GFAP expression as soon as 1-day post-trauma. Furthermore, trehalose treatment increased the score of hindlimb function. CONCLUSION Our results indicated that treatment with trehalose reduces the development of secondary injury associated with SCI. This effect likely underlies improved neurological function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahdieh Nazari-Robati
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran,Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran,Correspondence to: Mahdieh Nazari-Robati, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Neuroscience Research Center, Neuropharmacology Institute, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman7616914115, Iran.
| | - Mahboobe Akbari
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammad Khaksari
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Moghaddameh Mirzaee
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Low-Level Laser Irradiation Improves Motor Recovery After Contusive Spinal Cord Injury in Rats. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2017; 14:57-64. [PMID: 30603462 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-016-0003-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2015] [Revised: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the therapeutic effects of low-level laser irradiation (LLLI) on the recovery of motor function and its underlying mechanisms in rats with spinal cord injury (SCI). The spinal cord was contused at the T11 level using a New York University impactor. Thirty-eight rats were randomly divided into four groups: LLLI with 0.08 J, 0.4 J, 0.8 J, and sham. We transcutaneously applied at the lesion site of the spinal contusive rats 5 min after injury and then daily for 21 days. The Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor scale and combined behavioral score (CBS) were used to evaluate motor function. The spinal segments of rostral and caudal from the lesion site, the epicenter, and L4-5 were collected from normal and the all groups at 7 days after SCI. The expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was compared across groups in all regions. In the present study, LLLI with 0.4 J and 0.8 J led to a significant improvement in motor function compared to sham LLLI, which significantly decreased TNF-α expression at the lesion epicenter and reduced iNOS expression in the caudal segment for all LLLI groups and in the L4-5 segments for the 0.4 J and 0.8 J groups when compared to sham LLLI group. Our results demonstrate that transcutaneous LLLI modulate inflammatory mediators to enhance motor function recovery after SCI. Thus, LLLI in acute phase after SCI might have therapeutic potential for neuroprotection and restoration of motor function following SCI.
Collapse
|
5
|
Ma S, Wang J, Liu L, Xia L, Tao R. Identification of temporal genes involved in the mechanisms of spinal cord injury. Spinal Cord 2017; 55:355-361. [PMID: 28071686 DOI: 10.1038/sc.2016.183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2016] [Revised: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES As a high-cost neurological disability, spinal cord injury (SCI) can result in permanent paralysis and loss of sensation. To identify the temporal genes involved in the pathogenesis of SCI, we analysed the expression profile of GSE45006. METHODS GSE45006 was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus, including 20 SCI samples (samples at 1 day, 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks and 8 weeks after injury, four repetitions for each time point) and 4 normal samples. The Bayesian Estimation of Temporal Regulation (BETR) and randomForest packages were used to screen the temporal genes and the top 100 temporal genes, respectively. Then, the gplots package and Pearson correlation analysis separately were used to perform hot map analysis and expression pattern clustering for the top 100 temporal genes. Using the clusterProfiler package and TargetMine tool, their potential functions were analysed by enrichment analyses. Moreover, interaction relationships between these temporal genes and pathways were investigated by pathway-gene crosslinking networks. RESULTS In total, 1907 temporal genes were identified. The top 100 temporal genes were obtained and divided into six clusters. Most of the gene functions were enriched in biological process categories. ARG1 and NOS3 in cluster 4 were enriched in biological process of arginine catabolic process. TGFβ2, TGFβ3, ALDH2 and ALDH3A2 were correlated with numerous pathways in the pathway-gene crosslinking network. Pathways related to TGFβ2 and TGFβ3 were connected to pathways related to ARG1 and NOS3 via ARG1. CONCLUSION Several temporal genes, including TGFβ2, TGFβ3, ALDH2, ALDH3A2, ARG1 and NOS3, might be involved in SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Ma
- Department of Pain Management, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, The People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - J Wang
- Department of Pain Management, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, The People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - L Liu
- Department of Pain Management, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, The People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - L Xia
- Department of Pain Management, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, The People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - R Tao
- Department of Pain Management, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, The People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Nitric Oxide Metabolite Concentration in Cerebrospinal Fluid: Useful as a Prognostic Marker? Asian Spine J 2016; 10:828-833. [PMID: 27790309 PMCID: PMC5081316 DOI: 10.4184/asj.2016.10.5.828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2015] [Revised: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Study Design Prospective study. Purpose To establish the significance of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) nitric oxide metabolite (NOx) concentration in acute spinal cord injury (SCI) patients to assess the neurological severity and prognosis. Overview of Literature Quantitative analysis of specific biomarkers in CSF will assess neurological severity more accurately and permit the formulation of a more precise management plan. Methods Forty SCI patients represented the cases and 20 lower limb injury patients were the controls. NOx concentration in CSF was measured at week 1, 2, and 4 by Griess method. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI, T2-weighted) done in each case to measure cord edema and neurological severity was assessed using the Frankel classification. Results CSF NOx concentration peaked at week 2 and declined to normal by week 4. The concentration remained normal in controls. Mean NOx concentration was directly proportional to the severity of acute SCI as correlated with cord edema seen in MRI and neurological severity assessed. Conclusions CSF NOx concentration can be considered a specific quantitative biomarker in acute stage of SCI to predict the severity and prognosis of SCI patients.
Collapse
|
7
|
Kumar H, Ropper AE, Lee SH, Han I. Propitious Therapeutic Modulators to Prevent Blood-Spinal Cord Barrier Disruption in Spinal Cord Injury. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:3578-3590. [PMID: 27194298 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-9910-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2015] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) is a specialized protective barrier that regulates the movement of molecules between blood vessels and the spinal cord parenchyma. Analogous to the blood-brain barrier (BBB), the BSCB plays a crucial role in maintaining the homeostasis and internal environmental stability of the central nervous system (CNS). After spinal cord injury (SCI), BSCB disruption leads to inflammatory cell invasion such as neutrophils and macrophages, contributing to permanent neurological disability. In this review, we focus on the major proteins mediating the BSCB disruption or BSCB repair after SCI. This review is composed of three parts. Section 1. SCI and the BSCB of the review describes critical events involved in the pathophysiology of SCI and their correlation with BSCB integrity/disruption. Section 2. Major proteins involved in BSCB disruption in SCI focuses on the actions of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), angiopoietins (Angs), bradykinin, nitric oxide (NO), and endothelins (ETs) in BSCB disruption and repair. Section 3. Therapeutic approaches discusses the major therapeutic compounds utilized to date for the prevention of BSCB disruption in animal model of SCI through modulation of several proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hemant Kumar
- Department of Neurosurgery, CHA University, CHA Bundang Medical Center, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13496, Republic of Korea
| | - Alexander E Ropper
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Soo-Hong Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13488, Republic of Korea.
| | - Inbo Han
- Department of Neurosurgery, CHA University, CHA Bundang Medical Center, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13496, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Su YF, Lin CL, Lee KS, Tsai TH, Wu SC, Hwang SL, Chen SC, Kwan AL. A modified compression model of spinal cord injury in rats: functional assessment and the expression of nitric oxide synthases. Spinal Cord 2015; 53:432-5. [PMID: 25644387 PMCID: PMC5399152 DOI: 10.1038/sc.2014.245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2014] [Revised: 11/17/2014] [Accepted: 12/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Study design: Experimental study. Objectives: To investigate a modified compression model of spinal cord injury (SCI) in adult rats by using a room-air- inflated Fogarty balloon catheter. Setting: Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Methods: The rats were divided into injury, sham-operated and control groups. A 2-French Fogarty catheter was passed from the lumbar spine (L3–L4) epidurally, with a mini-laminectomy under the microscope, to the level of thoracic spine (T6–T7). The actual site of the catheter tip was confirmed with X-ray. The balloon of Fogarty catheter then was inflated with room air, 0.2 ml, for 10 min. Mini-laminectomy was performed without inserting the catheter in the sham-operated group. Quantitative neurological outcomes were evaluated with the Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor rating scale daily. The gene expression of nitric oxide synthases (NOSs) of the spinal cord was investigated at the end of the functional assessment. Results: The mean BBB locomotor scores were 10±1.85 and 10±1.85, respectively, on days 1 and 3 in the injury group, and 21 and 20.29±0.69, respectively, in the sham-operated group. There was a significantly increased gene expression of inducible NOS in the SCI group compared with the sham-operated group and control group. Endothelial NOS gene expression was not significantly different among the groups. Conclusion: The functional and molecular assessments show that this modified balloon-compression technique is a reproducible, simple and inexpensive model of SCI in rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y-F Su
- 1] Department of Neurosurgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan [2] Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - C-L Lin
- 1] Department of Neurosurgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan [2] Faculty of Medicine, Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - K-S Lee
- 1] Department of Neurosurgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan [2] Faculty of Medicine, Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - T-H Tsai
- 1] Department of Neurosurgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan [2] Faculty of Medicine, Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - S-C Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - S-L Hwang
- 1] Department of Neurosurgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan [2] Faculty of Medicine, Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - S-C Chen
- 1] Faculty of Medicine, Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan [2] Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - A-L Kwan
- 1] Department of Neurosurgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan [2] Faculty of Medicine, Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Tardivo V, Crobeddu E, Pilloni G, Fontanella M, Spena G, Panciani PP, Berjano P, Ajello M, Bozzaro M, Agnoletti A, Altieri R, Fiumefreddo A, Zenga F, Ducati A, Garbossa D. Say "no" to spinal cord injury: is nitric oxide an option for therapeutic strategies? Int J Neurosci 2014; 125:81-90. [PMID: 24697508 DOI: 10.3109/00207454.2014.908877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE a literature review was made to investigate the role of nitric oxide (NO) in spinal cord injury, a pathological condition that leads to motor, sensory, and autonomic deficit. Besides, we were interested in potential therapeutic strategies interfering with NO mechanism of secondary damage. MATERIALS A literature search using PubMed Medline database has been performed. RESULTS excessive NO production after spinal cord injury promotes oxidative damage perpetuating the injury causing neuronal loss at the injured site and in the surrounding area. CONCLUSION different therapeutic approaches for contrasting or avoiding NO secondary damage have been studied, these include nitric oxide synthase inhibitors, compounds that interfere with inducible NO synthase expression, and molecules working as antioxidant. Further studies are needed to explain the neuroprotective or cytotoxic role of the different isoforms of NO synthase and the other mediators that take part or influence the NO cascade. In this way, it would be possible to find new therapeutic targets and furthermore to extend the experimentation to humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Tardivo
- 1Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino , Torino , Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Monocyte locomotion inhibitory factor produced by E. histolytica improves motor recovery and develops neuroprotection after traumatic injury to the spinal cord. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 2013:340727. [PMID: 24294606 PMCID: PMC3835973 DOI: 10.1155/2013/340727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2013] [Revised: 09/04/2013] [Accepted: 09/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Monocyte locomotion inhibitory factor (MLIF) is a pentapeptide produced by Entamoeba histolytica that has a potent anti-inflammatory effect. Either MLIF or phosphate buffered saline (PBS) was administered directly onto the spinal cord (SC) immediately after injury. Motor recovery was evaluated. We also analyzed neuroprotection by quantifying the number of surviving ventral horn motor neurons and the persistence of rubrospinal tract neurons. To evaluate the mechanism through which MLIF improved the outcome of SC injury, we quantified the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and transforming growth factor- β (TGF- β ) genes at the site of injury. Finally, the levels of nitric oxide and of lipid peroxidation were also determined in peripheral blood. Results showed that MLIF improved the rate of motor recovery and this correlated with an increased survival of ventral horn and rubrospinal neurons. These beneficial effects were in turn associated with a reduction in iNOS gene products and a significant upregulation of IL-10 and TGF- β expression. In the same way, MLIF reduced the concentration of nitric oxide and the levels of lipid peroxidation in systemic circulation. The present results demonstrate for the first time the neuroprotective effects endowed by MLIF after SC injury.
Collapse
|
11
|
Schiaveto-de-Souza A, da-Silva CA, Defino HLA, Del Bel EA. Effect of melatonin on the functional recovery from experimental traumatic compression of the spinal cord. Braz J Med Biol Res 2013; 46:348-58. [PMID: 23579633 PMCID: PMC3854406 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x20132322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2012] [Accepted: 01/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury is an extremely severe condition with no available effective therapies. We examined the effect of melatonin on traumatic compression of the spinal cord. Sixty male adult Wistar rats were divided into three groups: sham-operated animals and animals with 35 and 50% spinal cord compression with a polycarbonate rod spacer. Each group was divided into two subgroups, each receiving an injection of vehicle or melatonin (2.5 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) 5 min prior to and 1, 2, 3, and 4 h after injury. Functional recovery was monitored weekly by the open-field test, the Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan locomotor scale and the inclined plane test. Histological changes of the spinal cord were examined 35 days after injury. Motor scores were progressively lower as spacer size increased according to the motor scale and inclined plane test evaluation at all times of assessment. The results of the two tests were correlated. The open-field test presented similar results with a less pronounced difference between the 35 and 50% compression groups. The injured groups presented functional recovery that was more evident in the first and second weeks. Animals receiving melatonin treatment presented more pronounced functional recovery than vehicle-treated animals as measured by the motor scale or inclined plane. NADPH-d histochemistry revealed integrity of the spinal cord thoracic segment in sham-operated animals and confirmed the severity of the lesion after spinal cord narrowing. The results obtained after experimental compression of the spinal cord support the hypothesis that melatonin may be considered for use in clinical practice because of its protective effect on the secondary wave of neuronal death following the primary wave after spinal cord injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Schiaveto-de-Souza
- Departamento de Morfofisiologia, Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brasil
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
del Rayo Garrido M, Silva-García R, García E, Martiñón S, Morales M, Mestre H, Flores-Domínguez C, Flores A, Ibarra A. Therapeutic window for combination therapy of A91 peptide and glutathione allows delayed treatment after spinal cord injury. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2012; 112:314-8. [PMID: 23057752 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.12023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2012] [Accepted: 10/04/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Immunisation with neural-derived peptides is a promising strategy in models of spinal cord (SC) injury. Recent studies have also demonstrated that the addition of glutathione monoethyl ester (GHSE) to this strategy further improves motor recovery, tissue protection and neuronal survival after SC injury. As it is realistic to envision that this combination therapy could be tested in clinical trials, the therapeutic window should be experimentally explored before implementing its use in SC-injured human beings. For this purpose, 50 rats (10 per group) were subjected to a moderate SC contusion. The combined therapy was initiated at 10 min., 24, 72 or 120 hr after injury. Motor recovery and the survival of rubrospinal (RS) and ventral horn (VH) neurones were evaluated 60 days after injury. Results showed a significant motor improvement even if the combined therapy was initiated up to 72 hr after injury. BBB scores were as follows: 10 min.: 10.5 ± 0.7, 24 hr: 10.7 ± 0.5, 72 hr: 11.0 ± 1.3 and PBS: 6.7 ± 1 (mean ± S.D.). Initiation of combined therapy 120 hr after injury had no beneficial effect on motor recovery. Survival of RS and VH neurones was significantly higher in animals treated during the first 72 hr than those treated only with PBS. In this case again, animals treated with combined therapy 120 hr after injury did not present significant survival of neurones. Treatment with this combined strategy has a clinically feasible therapeutic window. This therapy provides enough time to transport and diagnose the patient and allows the concomitant use of other neuroprotective therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María del Rayo Garrido
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Anáhuac México Norte, Huixquilucan Edo. de México, México
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Myers SA, DeVries WH, Gruenthal MJ, Andres KR, Hagg T, Whittemore SR. Sildenafil improves epicenter vascular perfusion but not hindlimb functional recovery after contusive spinal cord injury in mice. J Neurotrauma 2011; 29:528-38. [PMID: 21970599 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2011.2036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) is an important regulator of vasodilation and angiogenesis in the central nervous system (CNS). Signaling initiated by the membrane receptor CD47 antagonizes vasodilation and angiogenesis by inhibiting synthesis of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). We recently found that deletion of CD47 led to significant functional locomotor improvements, enhanced angiogenesis, and increased epicenter microvascular perfusion in mice after moderate contusive spinal cord injury (SCI). We tested the hypothesis that improving NO/cGMP signaling within the spinal cord immediately after injury would increase microvascular perfusion, angiogenesis, and functional recovery, with an acute, 7-day administration of the cGMP phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor sildenafil. PDE5 expression is localized within spinal cord microvascular endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells. While PDE5 antagonism has been shown to increase angiogenesis in a rat embolic stroke model, sildenafil had no significant effect on angiogenesis at 7 days post-injury after murine contusive SCI. Sildenafil treatment increased cGMP concentrations within the spinal cord and improved epicenter microvascular perfusion. Basso Mouse Scale (BMS) and Treadscan analyses revealed that sildenafil treatment had no functional consequence on hindlimb locomotor recovery. These data support the hypothesis that acutely improving microvascular perfusion within the injury epicenter by itself is an insufficient strategy for improving functional deficits following contusive SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Scott A Myers
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
García E, Silva-García R, Mestre H, Flores N, Martiñón S, Calderón-Aranda ES, Ibarra A. Immunization with A91 peptide or copolymer-1 reduces the production of nitric oxide and inducible nitric oxide synthase gene expression after spinal cord injury. J Neurosci Res 2011; 90:656-63. [PMID: 22002544 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.22771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2011] [Revised: 07/01/2011] [Accepted: 07/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Immunization with neurally derived peptides (INDP) boosts the action of an autoreactive immune response that has been shown to induce neuroprotection in several neurodegenerative diseases, especially after spinal cord (SC) injury. This strategy provides an environment that promotes neuronal survival and tissue preservation. The mechanisms by which this autoreactive response exerts its protective effects is not totally understood at the moment. A recent study showed that INDP reduces lipid peroxidation. Lipid peroxidation is a neurodegenerative phenomenon caused by the increased production of reactive nitrogen species such as nitric oxide (NO). It is possible that INDP could be interfering with NO production. To test this hypothesis, we examined the effect of INDP on the amount of NO produced by glial cells when cocultured with autoreactive T cells. We also evaluated the amount of NO and the expression of the inducible form of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) at the injury site of SC-injured animals. The neural-derived peptides A91 and Cop-1 were used to immunize mice and rats with SC injury. In vitro studies showed that INDP significantly reduces the production of NO by glial cells. This observation was substantiated by in vivo experiments demonstrating that INDP decreases the amount of NO and iNOS gene expression at the site of injury. The present study provides substantial evidence on the inhibitory effect of INDP on NO production, helpingour understanding of the mechanisms through which protective autoimmunity promotes neuroprotection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisa García
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Anáhuac México Norte, Huixquilucan Edo. de México, México
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Hill CE, Guller Y, Raffa SJ, Hurtado A, Bunge MB. A calpain inhibitor enhances the survival of Schwann cells in vitro and after transplantation into the injured spinal cord. J Neurotrauma 2011; 27:1685-95. [PMID: 20568964 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2010.1272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the diversity of cells available for transplantation into sites of spinal cord injury (SCI), and the known ability of transplanted cells to integrate into host tissue, functional improvement associated with cellular transplantation has been limited. One factor potentially limiting the efficacy of transplanted cells is poor cell survival. Recently we demonstrated rapid and early death of Schwann cells (SCs) within the first 24 h after transplantation, by both necrosis and apoptosis, which results in fewer than 20% of the cells surviving beyond 1 week. To enhance SC transplant survival, in vitro and in vivo models to rapidly screen compounds for their ability to promote SC survival are needed. The current study utilized in vitro models of apoptosis and necrosis, and based on withdrawal of serum and mitogens and the application of hydrogen peroxide, we screened several inhibitors of apoptosis and necrosis. Of the compounds tested, the calpain inhibitor MDL28170 enhanced SC survival both in vitro in response to oxidative stress induced by application of H2O2, and in vivo following delayed transplantation into the moderately contused spinal cord. The results support the use of calpain inhibitors as a promising new treatment for promoting the survival of transplanted cells. They also suggest that in vitro assays for cell survival may be useful for establishing new compounds that can then be tested in vivo for their ability to promote transplanted SC survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin E Hill
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Paterniti I, Esposito E, Mazzon E, Bramanti P, Cuzzocrea S. Evidence for the role of PI3-kinase-AKT-eNOS signalling pathway in secondary inflammatory process after spinal cord compression injury in mice. Eur J Neurosci 2011; 33:1411-20. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2011.07646.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
17
|
Dagci T, Sengul G, Keser A, Onal A. NADPH-d and Fos reactivity in the rat spinal cord following experimental spinal cord injury and embryonic neural stem cell transplantation. Life Sci 2011; 88:746-52. [PMID: 21376061 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2011.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2010] [Revised: 12/28/2010] [Accepted: 02/03/2011] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The aim of this study is to determine the role of nitric oxide (NO) in neuropathic pain and the effect of embryonic neural stem cell (ENSC) transplantation on NO content in rat spinal cord neurons following spinal cord injury (SCI). MAIN METHODS Ninety adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 3 groups (n=30, each): control (laminectomy), SCI (hemisection at T12-T13 segments) and SCI+ENSC. Each group was further divided into sub-groups (n=5 each) based on the treatment substance (L-NAME, 75 mg/kg/i.p.; L-arginine, 225 mg/kg/i.p.; physiological saline, SF) and duration (2h for acute and 28 days for chronic groups). Pain was assessed by tail flick and Randall-Selitto tests. Fos immunohistochemistry and NADPH-d histochemistry were performed in segments 2 cm rostral and caudal to SCI. KEY FINDINGS Tail-flick latency time increased in both acute and chronic L-NAME groups and increased in acute and decreased in chronic L-arginine groups. The number of Fos (+) neurons decreased in acute and chronic L-NAME and decreased in acute L-arginine groups. Following ENSC, Fos (+) neurons did not change in acute L-NAME but decreased in the chronic L-NAME groups, and decreased in both acute and chronic L-arginine groups. NADPH-d (+) neurons decreased in acute L-NAME and increased in L-arginine groups with and without ENSC transplantation. SIGNIFICANCE This study confirms the role of NO in neuropathic pain and shows an improvement following ENSC transplantation in the acute phase, observed as a decrease in Fos(+) and NADPH-d (+) neurons in spinal cord segments rostral and caudal to injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taner Dagci
- Department of Physiology, Ege University, School of Medicine, Bornova, Izmir, Turkey
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Wu KLH, Hsu C, Chan JYH. Nitric oxide and superoxide anion differentially activate poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 and Bax to induce nuclear translocation of apoptosis-inducing factor and mitochondrial release of cytochrome c after spinal cord injury. J Neurotrauma 2010; 26:965-77. [PMID: 19473058 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2008.0692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
We reported previously that complete spinal cord transection (SCT) results in depression of mitochondrial respiratory chain enzyme activity that triggers apoptosis via sequential activations of apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF)- and caspase-dependent cascades in the injured spinal cord. This study tested the hypothesis that nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide anion (O(2)(.-)) serve as the interposing signals between SCT and impaired mitochondrial respiratory functions. Adult Sprague-Dawley rats manifested a significant increase in NO or O(2)(.-) level in the injured spinal cord during the first 3 days after SCT. The augmented O(2)(.-) production, along with concomitant reduction in mitochondrial respiratory chain enzyme activity or ATP level, nuclear translocation of AIF, cytosolic release of cytochrome c, and DNA fragmentation were reversed by osmotic minipump infusion of a NO trapping agent, carboxy-PTIO, or a superoxide dismutase mimetic, tempol, into the epicenter of the transected spinal cord. Intriguingly, carboxy-PTIO significantly suppressed upregulation of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) in the nucleus, attenuated nuclear translocation of AIF, inhibited mitochondrial translocation of Bax and antagonized mitochondrial release of cytochrome c; whereas tempol only inhibited the later two cellular events after SCT. We conclude that overproduction of NO and O(2)(.-) in the injured spinal cord promulgates mitochondrial dysfunction and triggers AIF- and caspase-dependent apoptotic signaling cascades via differential upregulation of nuclear PARP-1 and mitochondrial translocation of Bax.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kay L H Wu
- Department of Medical Education and Research, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Dibaj P, Nadrigny F, Steffens H, Scheller A, Hirrlinger J, Schomburg ED, Neusch C, Kirchhoff F. NO mediates microglial response to acute spinal cord injury under ATP control in vivo. Glia 2010; 58:1133-44. [PMID: 20468054 DOI: 10.1002/glia.20993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
To understand the pathomechanisms of spinal cord injuries will be a prerequisite to develop efficient therapies. By investigating acute lesions of spinal cord white matter in anesthetized mice with fluorescently labeled microglia and axons using in vivo two-photon laser-scanning microscopy (2P-LSM), we identified the messenger nitric oxide (NO) as a modulator of injury-activated microglia. Local tissue damages evoked by high-power laser pulses provoked an immediate attraction of microglial processes. Spinal superfusion with NO synthase and guanylate cyclase inhibitors blocked these extensions. Furthermore, local injection of the NO-donor spermine NONOate (SPNO) or the NO-dependent second messenger cGMP induced efficient migration of microglial cells toward the injection site. High-tissue levels of NO, achieved by uniform superfusion with SPNO and mimicking extended tissue damage, resulted in a fast conversion of the microglial shape from ramified to ameboid indicating cellular activation. When the spinal white matter was preconditioned by increased, ambient ATP (known as a microglial chemoattractant) levels, the attraction of microglial processes to local NO release was augmented, whereas it was abolished at low levels of tissue ATP. Because both signaling molecules, NO and ATP, mediate acute microglial reactions, coordinated pharmacological targeting of NO and purinergic pathways will be an effective mean to influence the innate immune processes after spinal cord injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Payam Dibaj
- Department of Neurology, Georg August University of Göttingen, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Wu J, Wrathall JR, Schachner M. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase Cdelta activation induces close homolog of adhesion molecule L1 (CHL1) expression in cultured astrocytes. Glia 2010; 58:315-28. [PMID: 19672967 DOI: 10.1002/glia.20925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Upregulation of expression of the close homolog of adhesion molecule L1 (CHL1) by reactive astrocytes in the glial scar reduces axonal regeneration and inhibits functional recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI). Here, we investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying upregulation of CHL1 expression by analyzing the signal transduction pathways in vitro. We show that astrogliosis stimulated by bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) upregulates CHL1 expression in primary cultures of mouse cerebral astrocytes, coinciding with elevated protein synthesis and translocation of protein kinase delta (PKCdelta) from cytosol to the membrane fraction. Blocking PKCdelta activity pharmacologically and genetically attenuates LPS-induced elevation of CHL1 protein expression through a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) dependent pathway. LPS induces extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2) phosphorylation through PKCdelta and blockade of ERK1/2 activation abolishes upregulation of CHL1 expression. LPS-triggered upregulation of CHL1 expression mediated through translocation of nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) to the nucleus is blocked by a specific NF-kappaB inhibitor and by inhibition of PI3K, PKCdelta, and ERK1/2 activities, implicating NF-kappaB as a downstream target for upregulation of CHL1 expression. Furthermore, the LPS-mediated upregulation of CHL1 expression by reactive astrocytes is inhibitory for hippocampal neurite outgrowth in cocultures. Although the LPS-triggered NO-guanylate cyclase-cGMP pathway upregulates glial fibrillary acid protein expression in cultured astrocytes, we did not observe this pathway to mediate LPS-induced upregulation of CHL1 expression. Our results indicate that elevated CHL1 expression by reactive astrocytes requires activation of PI3K/PKCdelta-dependent pathways and suggest that reduction of PI3K/PKCdelta activity represents a therapeutic target to downregulate CHL1 expression and thus benefit axonal regeneration after SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junfang Wu
- W. M. Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University in the State of New Jersey, 604 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Targeted retrograde gene delivery of brain-derived neurotrophic factor suppresses apoptosis of neurons and oligodendroglia after spinal cord injury in rats. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2010; 35:497-504. [PMID: 20190624 DOI: 10.1097/brs.0b013e3181b8e89b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Histologic and immunohistochemical studies after targeted retrograde adenovirus (AdV)-mediated brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene delivery via intramuscular injection in rats with injured spinal cord. OBJECTIVE To investigate the neuroprotective effect of targeted retrograde AdV-BDNF gene transfection in the traumatically injured spinal cord in terms of prevention of apoptosis of neurons and oligodendrocytes. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Several studies investigated the neuroprotective effects of neurotrophins including BDNF on spinal cord injury, with respect to prevention of neural cell apoptosis in injured spinal cord. However, no report has described the potential effect of targeted retrograde neurotrophic factor gene delivery in injured spinal cord on prevention of neural cell apoptosis. METHODS AdV-BDNF or AdV-LacZ was used for retrograde delivery via bilateral sternomastoid muscles to the spinal accessory motoneurons immediately after spinal cord injury in rats. Localization of beta-galactosidase expression produced by LacZ gene or AdV-BDNF gene transfection was examined by immunofluorescence staining and double staining of cell markers (NeuN, RIP, GFAP, OX-42, and NG2) in the injured spinal cord. TUNEL-positive cells were counted and immunoreactivity to active caspase-3 and NG2 was examined after gene injection. RESULTS Retrograde delivery of LacZ marker gene was identified in cervical spinal neurons and glial cells including oligodendrocytes in the white matter.AdV-BDNF transfection resulted in a significant decrease in the number of TUNEL-positive apoptotic cells by downregulating the caspase apoptotic pathway, with significant promotion of NG2 expression in injured spinal cord, compared with AdV-LacZ injection. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that targeted retrograde BDNF gene delivery suppresses apoptosis of neurons and oligodendrocytes in the injured rat spinal cord.
Collapse
|
22
|
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Multiple center study to evaluate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of nitric oxide metabolites [NOx] in relation to neurologic severity and prognosis in spinal cord injury (SCI). OBJECTIVE To examine whether CSF [NOx] correlates with neurologic severity and recovery in SCI. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Inducible nitric oxide synthase is expressed in rat spinal cord immediately after SCI. Excessive nitric oxide production is cytotoxic, causing neuronal apoptosis with subsequent neurodysfunction in the spinal cord. We previously reported a significant correlation between initial [NOx] after incomplete cervical cord injury (CCI) and neurologic recovery at the final follow-up in 25 cases. METHODS Ninety-six cases (SCI group), including 76 patients with CCI and 20 patients with thoracic cord injury were examined. Mean follow-up period was 11 months. The control group comprised 40 cases (3 healthy volunteers and 37 patients with neither pain nor neurologic disorders). CSF [NOx] were measured using the Griess method. Severity of neurologic impairment was assessed using Frankel's classification and the American Spinal Injury Association motor score (ASIA MS). Degree of neurologic recovery was assessed using Frankel's classification and the ASIA motor recovery percentage. RESULTS CSF [NOx] did not differ significantly among the control, CCI, and thoracic cord injury groups at the initial examination. In the CCI group, [NOx] in the Frankel A and B classes were significantly higher than [NOx] in the control group at 5 to 14 days, in the Frankel A and B classes at 0 to 4 days, and in the Frankel C and D classes at 5 to 14 days. Also, in the CCI group at 5 to 14 days, [NOx] correlated significantly with ASIA MS and motor recovery percentage. CONCLUSION There was a significant correlation between CSF [NOx] at the pathologic early subacute stage (approximately 5-14 days) and neurologic severity and recovery in SCI.
Collapse
|
23
|
Yu D, Neeley WL, Pritchard CD, Slotkin JR, Woodard EJ, Langer R, Teng YD. Blockade of peroxynitrite-induced neural stem cell death in the acutely injured spinal cord by drug-releasing polymer. Stem Cells 2009; 27:1212-22. [PMID: 19418456 DOI: 10.1002/stem.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic impact of neural stem cells (NSCs) for acute spinal cord injury (SCI) has been limited by the rapid loss of donor cells. Neuroinflammation is likely the cause. As there are close temporal-spatial correlations between the inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase expression and the donor NSC death after neurotrauma, we reasoned that NO-associated radical species might be the inflammatory effectors which eliminate NSC grafts and kill host neurons. To test this hypothesis, human NSCs (hNSCs: 5 x 10(4) to 2 x 10(6) per milliliter) were treated in vitro with "plain" medium, 20 microM glutamate, or donors of NO and peroxynitrite (ONOO(-); 100 and 400 microM of spermine or DETA NONOate, and SIN-1, respectively). hNSC apoptosis primarily resulted from SIN-1 treatment, showing ONOO(-)-triggered protein nitration and the activation of p38 MAPK, cytochrome c release, and caspases. Therefore, cell death following post-SCI (p.i.) NO surge may be mediated through conversion of NO into ONOO(-). We subsequently examined such causal relationship in a rat model of dual penetrating SCI using a retrievable design of poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) scaffold seeded with hNSCs that was shielded by drug-releasing polymer. Besides confirming the ONOO(-)-induced cell death signaling, we demonstrated that cotransplantation of PLGA film embedded with ONOO(-) scavenger, manganese (III) tetrakis (4-benzoic acid) porphyrin, or uric acid (1 micromol per film), markedly protected hNSCs 24 hours p.i. (total: n = 10). Our findings may provide a bioengineering approach for investigating mechanisms underlying the host microenvironment and donor NSC interaction and help formulate strategies for enhancing graft and host cell survival after SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dou Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Harvard Medical School, The Brigham and Women's Hospital and Children's Hospital Boston, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Lee MY, Chen L, Toborek M. Nicotine attenuates iNOS expression and contributes to neuroprotection in a compressive model of spinal cord injury. J Neurosci Res 2009; 87:937-47. [DOI: 10.1002/jnr.21901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
|
25
|
Activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase following spinal cord injury in mice. Neurosci Lett 2008; 436:265-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2008.03.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2008] [Revised: 03/02/2008] [Accepted: 03/15/2008] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
|
26
|
de Albuquerque RF, Aparecida Del Bel E, Brentegani LG, Moura de Oliveira MT, Mardegan Issa JP. Trigeminal nitric oxide synthase expression correlates with new bone formation during distraction osteogenesis. Calcif Tissue Int 2008; 82:309-15. [PMID: 18330484 DOI: 10.1007/s00223-008-9107-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2007] [Accepted: 01/18/2008] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) has been reported to be involved with both bone healing and bone metabolism. The aim of this study was to test the null hypothesis that there is no correlation between new bone formation during mandibular distraction osteogenesis and NOS expression in the trigeminal ganglion of rats. Newly formed tissue during distraction osteogenesis and trigeminal NOS expression measured by the NADPH-diaphorase (NADPH-d) reaction were evaluated in 72 male Wistar rats by histomorphometric and histochemical methods. In animals submitted to 0.5 mm/day distraction osteogenesis, the percentage of bone tissue was higher in the basal area of the mandibles compared with the center and significantly increased through the experimental periods (P < 0.05). At the sixth postoperative week, the difference in bone formation between the continuous and acute distraction osteogenesis groups was the highest. Significant correlation between new bone formation by distraction osteogenesis and NADPH-d-reactive neurons was found, varying according to neuronal cell size (r = -0.6, P = 0.005, small cells strongly stained; r = 0.5, P = 0.018, large cells moderately stained). The results suggest that NOS may play a role in the bone healing process via neurogenic pathways, and the phenomenon seems to be neuronal cell morphotype-dependent. Further studies are now warranted to investigate the mechanistic link between the expression of trigeminal NOS and mandibular new bone formation by distraction osteogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rubens Ferreira de Albuquerque
- Faculty of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. Café S/N, CEP 14040-904, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Hosaka N, Kimura S, Yamazaki A, Wang X, Denda H, Ito T, Hirano T, Endo N. Significant correlation between cerebrospinal fluid nitric oxide concentrations and neurologic prognosis in incomplete cervical cord injury. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2007; 17:281-6. [PMID: 17712576 PMCID: PMC2365543 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-007-0477-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2006] [Revised: 03/24/2007] [Accepted: 07/27/2007] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
In animal models of spinal cord injury (SCI), inducible NO (nitric oxide) synthase is expressed in the spinal cord immediately after sustaining SCI. Excessive NO production has cytotoxic effects and induces neuronal apoptosis, causing neural degeneration and neurodysfunction in the spinal cord. Little is known, however, about the relationship between NO(x) (NO metabolites: nitrite and nitrate) levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and neurologic severity or recovery in clinical cases. The objective of the present study was to examine the correlation between CSF NO(x) levels and neurologic severity or recovery in SCI. Twenty-five patients with incomplete cervical cord injury (CCI) were examined. Eight cases were treated conservatively (non-operated group). Seventeen cases underwent surgical intervention (operated group). NO(x) levels in the CSF were measured using the Griess method. The severity of the neurologic impairment was assessed using Frankel's classification and the American Spinal Injury Association motor score (ASIA MS). The degree of neurologic recovery was assessed using Frankel's classification and the ASIA motor recovery percentage (MRP). There was no significant difference in the NO(x) levels between the CCI group (NO(x) levels: 5.9 +/- 0.7 microM) and the 36 control subjects (1 volunteer and 35 patients without neurologic disorders, NO(x) levels: 4.9 +/- 0.3 microM). There was no significant difference in NO(x) levels and MRP between the non-operated group and the operated group. The NO(x) levels in total SCI group were significantly correlated with the ASIA MS and MRP. There was a significant correlation between CSF NO(x) levels and neurologic severity or recovery in incomplete CCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noboru Hosaka
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Niigata Rousai Hospital, Joetsu City, Niigata Japan
| | - Shinji Kimura
- Rehabilitation Center, Niigata University, 1-754 Asahimachi-dori, Niigata City, Niigata 951-8520 Japan
| | - Akiyoshi Yamazaki
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Niigata Central Hospital, Niigata city, Niigata Japan
| | - Xianjun Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Niigata University, Niigata city, Niigata Japan
| | - Hiroshi Denda
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Niigata University, Niigata city, Niigata Japan
| | - Takui Ito
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Niigata University, Niigata city, Niigata Japan
| | - Toru Hirano
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Niigata University, Niigata city, Niigata Japan
| | - Naoto Endo
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Niigata University, Niigata city, Niigata Japan
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Conti A, Miscusi M, Cardali S, Germanò A, Suzuki H, Cuzzocrea S, Tomasello F. Nitric oxide in the injured spinal cord: synthases cross-talk, oxidative stress and inflammation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 54:205-18. [PMID: 17500094 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresrev.2007.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) is a unique informational molecule involved in a variety of physiological processes in the central nervous system (SNS). It has been demonstrated that it can exert both protective and detrimental effects in several diseases states of the CNS, including spinal cord injury (SCI). The effects of NO on the spinal cord depend on several factors such as: concentration of produced NO, activity of different synthase isoforms, cellular source of production and time of release. Basically, it has been shown that low NO concentrations may play a role in physiologic processes, whereas large amounts of NO may be detrimental by increasing oxidative stress. However, this does not explain all the discrepancies evidenced studying the effects of NO in SCI models. The analysis of the different synthase isoforms, of their temporal profile of activation and cellular source has shed light on this topic. Two post-injury time intervals can be defined with reference to the NO production: immediately after injury and several hours-to-days later. The initial immediate peak of NO production after injury is due to the up-regulation of the neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) in resident spinal cord cells. The late peak is due primarily to the activity of inducible NOS (nNOS) produced by inflammatory infiltrating cells. High NO levels produced by up-regulated nNOS and iNOS are neurotoxic; the down-regulation of nNOS corresponds temporally to the expression of iNOS. On the bases of the evidence, therapeutic approaches should be aimed: (1) to reduce the NO-elicited damage by inhibition of specific synthases according to the temporal profile of activation; (2) by maintaining physiologic amount of NO to keep the induction of iNOS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Conti
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Messina, Policlinico Universitario, Messina, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Allbutt HN, Siddall PJ, Keay KA. Contusive spinal cord injury evokes localized changes in NADPH-d activity but extensive changes in Fos-like immunoreactivity in the rat. J Anat 2007; 211:352-70. [PMID: 17584182 PMCID: PMC2375816 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7580.2007.00765.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The histological detection of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase (NADPH-d), a marker for nitric oxide-producing cells, was used to evaluate ongoing changes in the neural biochemistry of the rat spinal cord 1 week following contusive spinal cord injury (SCI). In addition, the immunohistochemical detection of the immediate-early gene c-fos was used to identify basal patterns of neural activity at this time. The numbers and laminar locations of NADPH-d- and c-fos-positive cells were examined in spinal segments adjacent to the site of injury (T12-S3) as well as those distant from the injury (C3-C5) in both SCI and un-injured rats. Our data show that contusive SCI results in a significant reduction in NADPH-d labelling in the superficial dorsal horn, and a significant increase in NADPH-d expression in small bipolar neurons and large motoneurons in the ventral horn at the site of the injury. In spinal segments distant to the injury site (C3-C5), NADPH-d activity did not differ from that of uninjured controls. Furthermore, significant reductions in the levels of c-fos expression were observed in SCI rats, in spinal segments both at and distant to the site of injury for all spinal laminae. The only exception was a dramatic increase observed in the sacral parasympathetic nucleus. These data suggest that increased NADPH-d expression is related to conditions specific to the site of injury, whereas the changes in c-fos expression probably indicate more global changes in neuronal activity following SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haydn N Allbutt
- School of Medical Sciences (Anatomy & Histology), University of Sydney, Australia.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Ashki N, Hayes KC, Shi R. Nitric oxide reversibly impairs axonal conduction in Guinea pig spinal cord. J Neurotrauma 2007; 23:1779-93. [PMID: 17184188 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2006.23.1779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased expression of the inducible and neuronal isoforms of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), and elevated concentrations of nitric oxide (NO) metabolites, are present within the central nervous system (CNS) following neurotrauma and are implicated in the pathogenesis of the accompanying neurologic deficits. We tested the hypothesis that elevated extracellular concentrations of NO introduced by the donor Spermine NONOate, induce reversible axonal conduction deficits in neurons of the guinea pig spinal cord. The compound action potential (CAP) and compound membrane potential (CMP) of excised ventral cord white matter were recorded before, during, and after bathing the tissue (30 min) in varying concentrations (0.25-3.0 mM) of Spermine NONOate. The principal results were a rapid onset, dose-dependent, reduction in amplitude of the CAP (p < 0.05) accompanied by depolarization of the CMP during NO exposure. These effects were largely reversible on washout, at low concentration of the donor (0.5 mM), but were only partially reversed at higher concentrations. Changes in the electrophysiological properties were not evident when the donor had been a priori depleted of NO. The results extend previous reports that NO induces reversible axonal conduction deficits. They provide new evidence of dissociation of the effects of NO on CAP and CMP during washout, and after prolonged exposure to the donor. They add support to the emerging concept that immune-mediated axonal conduction failure contributes to reversible neurologic deficits following neurotrauma and aid in understanding clinical phenomena such as spinal shock and neurologic recovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Negin Ashki
- Neuroscience Program, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Osuka K, Watanabe Y, Usuda N, Atsuzawa K, Aoshima C, Yamauchi K, Takayasu M, Yoshida J. Phosphorylation of neuronal nitric oxide synthase at Ser847 in the nucleus intermediolateralis after spinal cord injury in mice. Neuroscience 2007; 145:241-7. [PMID: 17258865 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2006.10.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2006] [Revised: 10/05/2006] [Accepted: 10/26/2006] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
We previously demonstrated that Ca2+/calmodulin (CaM)-dependent protein kinase IIalpha (CaM-KIIalpha) can phosphorylate neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) at Ser847 and attenuate NOS activity in neuronal cells. In the present study we focused on chronological alteration in levels and cellular location of nNOS, phosphorylated (p)-Ser847-nNOS (NP847), CaM-KII and p-Thr286-CaM-KIIalpha following spinal cord injury (SCI) in mice. Western blot analysis showed nNOS to be significantly phosphorylated at Ser847 from 3 h after SCI, peaking at 24 h and gradually decreasing thereafter, and CaM-KII to be colocalized with nNOS after SCI. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that SCI causes an increase in both NP847 and p-Thr286-CaM-KIIalpha in the nucleus intermediolateralis. These findings suggest that SCI induces p-Thr286-CaM-KIIalpha, which phosphorylates the nNOS at Ser847 in the nucleus intermediolateralis where NO is thought to play a role as a neurotransmitter in autonomic preganglionic neurons. Thus, the NP847 signaling pathway might be involved in the autonomic failure which occurs immediately after SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Osuka
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai, Showa, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Marsala J, Orendácová J, Lukácová N, Vanický I. Traumatic injury of the spinal cord and nitric oxide. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2007; 161:171-83. [PMID: 17618976 DOI: 10.1016/s0079-6123(06)61011-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
In the current report, we summarize our findings related to the involvement of nitric oxide (NO) in the pathology of spinal cord trauma. We initially studied the distribution of nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-immunolabeled and/or nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase (NADPHd; which is highly colocalized with NOS)-stained somata and fibers in the spinal cord of the rabbit. Segmental and laminar distribution of NADPHd-stained neurons in the rabbit revealed a large number of NADPHd-stained neurons in the spinal cord falling into six categories, N1-N6, while others could not be classified. Large numbers of NADPHd-stained neurons were identified in the superficial dorsal horn and around the central canal. Four morphologically distinct kinds of NADPHd-stained axons 2.5-3.5 microm in diameter were identified throughout the white matter in the spinal cord. Moreover, a massive occurrence of axonal NADPHd-staining was detected in the juxtagriseal layer of the ventral funiculus along the rostrocaudal axis. The prominent NADPHd-stained fiber bundles were identified in the mediobasal and central portion of the ventral funiculus. The sulcomarginal fasciculus was found in the basal and medial portion of the ventral funiculus in all cervical and thoracic segments. Since the discovery that NO may act as a neuronal transmitter, an increasing interest has focused on its ability to modulate synaptic function. NO passes through cell membranes without specific release or uptake mechanisms inducing changes in signal-related functions by several means. In particular, the activation of the soluble guanylyl cyclases (sGC), the formation of cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP) and the action of cGMP-dependent protein kinases has been identified as the main signal transduction pathways of NO in the nervous system including spinal cord. It is known that the intracellular level of cGMP is strictly controlled by its rate of synthesis via guanylyl cyclases (GC) and/or by the rate of its degradation via 3',5'-cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDE). GC can be divided into two main groups, i.e., the membrane-bound or particular guanylyl cyclase (pGC) and the cytosolic or sGC. In the spinal cord, the activation of pGC has only been demonstrated for natriuretic peptides, which stimulate cGMP accumulation in GABA-ergic structures in laminae I-III of the rat cervical spinal cord. These neurons are involved in controlling the action of the locomotor circuit. In view of the abundance of NO-responsive structures in the brain, it is proposed that NO-cGMP signaling will be part of neuronal information processing at many levels. In relation to this, we found that surgically induced Th7 constriction of 24 h duration stimulated both the constitutive NOS activity and cGMP level by 120 and 131%, respectively, in non-compartmentalized white matter of Th8-Th9 segments, located just caudally to the site of injury. NO-mediated cGMP formation was only slightly increased in the dorsal funiculus of Th5-Th9 segments. There are some other sources that may influence the NO-mediated cGMP formation in spinal cord. A high level of glutamate produced at the site of the lesion and an excessive accumulation of intracellular Ca2+ may stimulate NOS activity and create suitable conditions for NO synthesis and its adverse effect on white matter. An increased interest has focused on the role of NO at the site of injury and in areas located close to the epicenter of the impact site and, in these connections an upregulation of NOS was noted in neurons and interneurons. However, the upregulation of NOS expression was also seen in interneurons located just rostrally and caudally to the lesion. A quantitative analysis of laminar distribution of multiple cauda equina constriction (MCEC) induced NADPHd-stained neurons revealed a considerable increase in these neurons in laminae VIII-IX 8h postconstriction, and a highly statistically significant increase of such neurons in laminae VII-X 5 days postconstriction in the lumbosacral segments. Concurrently, the number of NADPHd-stained neurons on laminae I-II in LS segments was greatly reduced. It is concluded that a greater understanding of NO changes after spinal cord trauma is essential for the possibility of targeting this pathway therapeutically.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jozef Marsala
- Institute of Neurobiology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Kosice, Slovak Republic.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Miscusi M, Ebner F, Ceccariglia S, Menegazzi M, Mariotto S, Berra L, Del Fa A, Gangitano C, Lauretti L, Missori P, Delfini R, Suzuki H. Early nuclear factor–κB activation and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in injured spinal cord neurons correlating with a diffuse reduction of constitutive nitric oxide synthase activity. J Neurosurg Spine 2006; 4:485-93. [PMID: 16776360 DOI: 10.3171/spi.2006.4.6.485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Object
Because of toxicity at high concentrations, nitric oxide (NO) contributes to spinal cord injury (SCI) secondary lesions. At low concentrations NO modulates nuclear factor–κB (NF-κB) activation. The authors investigated the activity of neuronal and endothelial NO synthase (nNOS and eNOS) to determine correlations with NF-κB activation and inducible NOS (iNOS) expression soon after SCI.
Methods
In 48 adult male Wistar rats clip-based (50 g/mm2/10 seconds) SCI was induced, and spinal cords were removed at different intervals for the following evaluations: 1) assaying specific activity of nNOS and eNOS; 2) electrophoresis mobility shift assay for activated NF-κB; 3) Northern blotting for iNOS; 4) immunohistochemistry for iNOS and NF-κB; and 5) immunofluorescence for iNOS and NF-κB.
At 15 minutes postinjury, eNOS activity decreased significantly (p < 0.001), as did nNOS activity at 1 hour compared with these levels in control animals and rats killed at 15 and 30 minutes after SCI (p < 0.001). Basal NF-κB levels were variable in controls and at 15 and 30 minutes after injury. One hour postinjury, NF-κB activation was diffuse. Inducible NOS messenger RNA localized diffusely, peaking 6 hours after injury and remaining stable until 24 hours postinjury. Immunohistochemical analysis showed diffuse iNOS and NF-κB staining, especially in neurons inside and around the lesion. Immunofluorescence demonstrated that injured neurons were a source of NF-κB and iNOS soon after injury.
Conclusions
Both nNOS and eNOS exhibited different regulation and roles soon after injury: nNOS correlated with NF-κB activation, whereas eNOS may have participated in vascular changes of the injured spinal cord. Neurons seemed to play a pivotal role in modulating and amplifying the inflammatory response in the injured spinal cord.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Miscusi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Neurologiche, Neurochirurgia, Università di Roma La Sapienza, Italia.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Kerkweg U, Schmitz D, de Groot H. Screening for the formation of reactive oxygen species and of NO in muscle tissue and remote organs upon mechanical trauma to the mouse hind limb. Eur Surg Res 2006; 38:83-9. [PMID: 16612092 DOI: 10.1159/000092609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2006] [Accepted: 02/20/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Until now, no systematic surveys exist in the literature on the early local and systemic generation of reactive oxygen species and of nitric oxide in response to muscle crush injury. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the formation of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide in different tissues (injured and contralateral muscle, liver, kidney, spleen and blood) that is induced by closed muscle trauma. METHODS 5, 45 and 180 min after induction of blunt trauma to the mouse gastrocnemius muscle, animals were sacrificed, tissues harvested and homogenized, and analyzed for their content of glutathione, nitrate and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances. RESULTS The local formation of reactive oxygen species in the injured muscle started immediately upon induction of the mechanical trauma as indicated by changes in the glutathione redox balance. Liver and kidney did not show any response to trauma; however, a marked and immediate increase in the splenic nitrate content was detected, thus suggesting a specific nitric oxide-dependent response of splenic cells to injury. CONCLUSION We conclude that immediately after the induction of trauma a formation of reactive oxygen species takes place at the site of crush injury. This might constitute the basis of further damage to the injured tissue by free radical-dependent mechanisms. The immediate formation of nitric oxide within the spleen upon muscle crush appears to represent a specific signalling mechanism of the body in response to distant organ injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Uta Kerkweg
- Institut fur Physiologische Chemie, Universitatsklinikum Essen, Essen, Deutschland
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Chalimoniuk M, King-Pospisil K, Metz CN, Toborek M. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor induces cell death and decreases neuronal nitric oxide expression in spinal cord neurons. Neuroscience 2006; 139:1117-28. [PMID: 16504406 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2005.12.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2005] [Revised: 11/09/2005] [Accepted: 12/22/2005] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor is a potent proinflammatory cytokine; however, its role in spinal cord injury is poorly understood. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of macrophage migration inhibitory factor on spinal cord neuron survival and viability. Due to the importance of nitric oxide metabolism in these events, part of our study was also focused on the influence of recombinant macrophage migration inhibitory factor on neuronal nitric oxide expression. Exposure of cultured mouse spinal cord neurons to macrophage migration inhibitory factor markedly increased cellular oxidative stress as measured by 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein fluorescence and intracellular calcium levels. In addition, an antagonist of the inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptor, 8-(diethylamino)octyl 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate, completely blocked the macrophage migration inhibitory factor-induced increase in intracellular calcium levels. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor treatment also decreased cell viability, increased cellular lactate dehydrogenase release, and induced chromatin condensation and aggregation in cultured spinal cord neurons. Finally, exposure to macrophage migration inhibitory factor markedly decreased expression and activity of neuronal nitric oxide, accompanied by a decrease in cellular guanosine 3'5'-cyclic monophosphate levels. The present results indicate that macrophage migration inhibitory factor can induce dysfunction of spinal cord neurons, leading to cell death through oxidative stress and intracellular calcium-dependent pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Chalimoniuk
- Molecular Neuroscience and Vascular Biology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery, University of Kentucky Medical Center, 593 Wethington Building, 900 South Limestone, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Nakajima H, Uchida K, Kobayashi S, Kokubo Y, Yayama T, Sato R, Baba H. Targeted retrograde gene delivery into the injured cervical spinal cord using recombinant adenovirus vector. Neurosci Lett 2005; 385:30-5. [PMID: 15936879 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2005.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2005] [Revised: 04/27/2005] [Accepted: 05/06/2005] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Direct routes of gene administration (intrathecal, intracerebroventricular or intraparenchymal infusion) have been used for effective and sustained gene delivery, but serious concerns exist about possible traumatic injury as well as neural damage that may lead to further tissue necrosis, apoptosis and cell death. We evaluated targeted retrograde gene delivery through the sternomastoid muscle (innervated by the spinal accessory nerves) into the injured cervical spinal cord using a recombinant adenovirus vector. LacZ gene expression in the cervical spinal cord was noted from 3 days to 4 weeks after the injection of vector into the sternomastoid muscles of the rats. Recombinant adenovirus vector was transferred via a retrograde mechanism into the injured cervical spinal cord with high transduction efficacy (80.6--98.9%) over certain adenoviral titer and dosage. Transduction was less efficient when the vector was injected 1 and 2 weeks after spinal cord injury (44.2--56.8%). Our results indicate retrograde delivery of recombinant adenovirus vector is possible immediately after spinal cord injury, and that this method is promising for gene delivery because it is effective, selective, less invasive to the injured spinal cord, has long-lasting gene expression, and is potentially feasible treatment choice for spinal cord injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hideaki Nakajima
- Division of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Fukui, Shimoaizuki 23, Matsuoka, Fukui 910-1193, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Sheng H, Spasojevic I, Warner DS, Batinic-Haberle I. Mouse spinal cord compression injury is ameliorated by intrathecal cationic manganese(III) porphyrin catalytic antioxidant therapy. Neurosci Lett 2004; 366:220-5. [PMID: 15276251 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2004.05.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2004] [Revised: 05/15/2004] [Accepted: 05/18/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of the cationic manganese(III) tetrakis(N,N'-diethylimidazolium-2-yl)porphyrin catalytic antioxidant Mn(III)TDE-2-ImP5+ (AEOL 10150) on outcome from spinal cord compression (SCC) in the mouse. C57BL/6J mice were subjected to 60 min thoracic SCC after discontinuation of halothane anesthesia. In Experiment 1, mice were given intravenous Mn(III)TDE-2-ImP5+ (0.5 mg/kg bolus followed by 1 mg kg(-1) h(-1) for 24 h), methylprednisolone (30 mg/kg bolus followed by 5.4 mg kg(-1) h(-1) for 24 h), or vehicle (n = 25 per group). In Experiment 2, mice were given intrathecal Mn(III)TDE-2-ImP5+ (2.5 or 5.0 microg/kg) or vehicle (n = 18 per group). In both experiments, treatment began 5 min post-SCC onset. Rotarod performance was measured on post-SCC days 3, 7, 14, and 21. On post-SCC day 21, the spinal cord was histologically examined and a total damage score was calculated. Neither intravenous Mn(III)TDE-2-ImP5+ nor methylprednisolone altered rotarod performance (accelerated rate P = 0.11, fixed rate P = 0.11) or mean +/- S.D. total damage score (Mn(III)TDE-2-ImP5+ = 21 +/- 9, methylprednisolone = 24 +/- 8, vehicle = 22 +/- 10; P = 0.47; shams = 0). Intrathecal Mn(III)TDE-2-ImP5+ (both 2.5 and 5.0 microg) given at SCC-onset improved rotarod performance (P = 0.05) and total damage score (2.5 microg = 19 +/- 10, P = 0.04; 5.0 microg =19 +/- 8, P = 0.03) versus vehicle (26 +/- 10). These studies demonstrate sustained benefit from manganese(III) porphyrin catalytic antioxidant therapy after SCC. However, efficacy was dependent upon route of administration suggesting that bioavailability is critical in defining efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huaxin Sheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Heinzen EL, Pollack GM. Use of an electrochemical nitric oxide sensor to detect neuronal nitric oxide production in conscious, unrestrained rats. J Pharmacol Toxicol Methods 2004; 48:139-46. [PMID: 14986862 DOI: 10.1016/s1056-8719(03)00043-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Amperometric sensors that directly measure nitric oxide (NO) are readily employed in pharmacologic research. While several of these sensors have been developed, none has been investigated for use in conscious, freely moving animals. An approach was developed and validated for real-time quantitation of neuronal NO production in rats without restricting locomotor activity or other potentially useful behavioral endpoints. METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rats were equipped with a femoral vein or intraperitoneal cannula. A guide cannula and an amperometric NO sensor were placed in the left and right hippocampus, respectively. Following recovery, rats received a 6-h intravenous infusion of saline, L-arginine (an NO precursor; 250 or 500 mg/kg/h), or incremental intraperitoneal 7-nitroindazole (an NO synthase inhibitor; 200-mg/kg loading dose and 100 mg/kg every 2 h). The sensor recorded NO production continuously and microdialysis samples were collected incrementally throughout the experiment. Griess assay analysis of microdialysate samples was compared to sensor readings in vivo. In vitro degradation of an NO donor also was used to validate sensor performance. RESULTS Exogenous administration of L-arginine resulted in incremental increases in the neuronal NO signal. A reduction in NO production was observed during administration of 7-nitroindazole, a selective neuronal NO synthase inhibitor. A significant correlation was observed in vitro between the Griess assay analysis, an indirect analytical approach, and the NO sensor readings. The lack of a strong correlation between these measures in vivo is consistent with the indirect nature of the Griess assay. DISCUSSION The current approach allows real-time determination of neuronal NO production in unrestrained rats. This model will be invaluable in evaluating pharmacologic issues regarding brain tissue NO synthesis, assessing brain NO synthase as a molecular target, and establishing the effects of pharmacologic agents on neuronal NO production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erin L Heinzen
- Division of Drug Delivery and Disposition, School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, CB# 7360 Kerr Hall, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7360, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
|
40
|
Pearse DD, Chatzipanteli K, Marcillo AE, Bunge MB, Dietrich WD. Comparison of iNOS Inhibition by Antisense and Pharmacological Inhibitors after Spinal Cord Injury. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2003; 62:1096-107. [PMID: 14656068 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/62.11.1096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is a key mediator of inflammation during pathological conditions. We examined, through the use of selective iNOS inhibitors, the role of iNOS in specific pathophysiological processes after spinal cord injury (SCI), including astrogliosis, blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) permeability, polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration, and neuronal cell death. Administration of iNOS antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) (intraspinally at 3 h) or the pharmacological inhibitors, N-[3(Aminomethyl) benzyl] acetamidine (1400 W) (i.v./i.p. 3 and 9 h) or aminoguanidine (i.p. at 3 and 9 h) after moderate contusive injury decreased the number of iNOS immunoreactive cells at the injury site by 65.6% (iNOS ASOs), 62.1% (1400 W), or 59% (aminoguanidine) 24 h postinjury. iNOS activity was reduced 81.8% (iNOS ASOs), 56.7% (1400 W), or 67.9% (aminoguanidine) at this time. All iNOS inhibitors reduced the degree of BSCB disruption (plasma leakage of rat immunoglobulins), with iNOS ASO inhibition being more effective (reduced by 58%). Neutrophil accumulation within the injury site was significantly reduced by iNOS ASOs and 1400 W by 78.8% and 20.9%, respectively. Increased astrogliosis was diminished with iNOS ASOs but enhanced following aminoguanidine. Detection of necrotic and apoptotic neuronal cell death by propidium iodide and an FITC-conjugated Annexin V antibody showed that iNOS inhibition could significantly retard neuronal cell death rostral and caudal to the injury site. These novel findings indicate that acute inhibition of iNOS is beneficial in reducing several pathophysiological processes after SCI. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the antisense inhibition of iNOS is more efficacious than currently available pharmacological agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D D Pearse
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis and the Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33136, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Abstract
Inflammatory reaction following a spinal cord injury (SCI) contributes substantially to secondary effects, with both beneficial and devastating effects. This review summarizes the current knowledge concerning the structural features (vascular, cellular, and biochemical events) of SCI and gives an overview of the regulation of post-traumatic inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- O N Hausmann
- Neurosurgical Department, University Clinics Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|