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Moreau N, Boucher Y. Hedging against Neuropathic Pain: Role of Hedgehog Signaling in Pathological Nerve Healing. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21239115. [PMID: 33266112 PMCID: PMC7731127 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The peripheral nervous system has important regenerative capacities that regulate and restore peripheral nerve homeostasis. Following peripheral nerve injury, the nerve undergoes a highly regulated degeneration and regeneration process called Wallerian degeneration, where numerous cell populations interact to allow proper nerve healing. Recent studies have evidenced the prominent role of morphogenetic Hedgehog signaling pathway and its main effectors, Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) and Desert Hedgehog (DHH) in the regenerative drive following nerve injury. Furthermore, dysfunctional regeneration and/or dysfunctional Hedgehog signaling participate in the development of chronic neuropathic pain that sometimes accompanies nerve healing in the clinical context. Understanding the implications of this key signaling pathway could provide exciting new perspectives for future research on peripheral nerve healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Moreau
- Department of Oral Medicine and Oral Surgery, Bretonneau Hospital (AP-HP), 75018 Paris, France;
- Faculty of Dental Medicine-Montrouge, University of Paris, 92120 Montrouge, France
| | - Yves Boucher
- Department of Dental Medicine, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital (AP-HP), 75013 Paris, France
- Faculty of Dental Medicine-Garancière, University of Paris, 75006 Paris, France
- Correspondence:
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Staff NP, Jones DT, Singer W. Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Therapies for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Mayo Clin Proc 2019; 94:892-905. [PMID: 31054608 PMCID: PMC6643282 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2019.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal cells are multipotent cells that are being used to treat a variety of medical conditions. Over the past decade, there has been considerable excitement about using MSCs to treat neurodegenerative diseases, which are diseases that are typically fatal and without other robust therapies. In this review, we discuss the proposed MSC mechanisms of action in neurodegenerative diseases, which include growth factor secretion, exosome secretion, and attenuation of neuroinflammation. We then provide a summary of preclinical and early clinical work on MSC therapies in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple system atrophy, Parkinson disease, and Alzheimer disease. Continued rigorous and controlled studies of MSC therapies will be critical in order to establish efficacy and protect patients from possible untoward effects.
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Romeo-Guitart D, Casas C. Network-centric medicine for peripheral nerve injury: Treating the whole to boost endogenous mechanisms of neuroprotection and regeneration. Neural Regen Res 2019; 14:1122-1128. [PMID: 30804234 PMCID: PMC6425822 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.251187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injuries caused by accidents may lead to paralysis, sensory disturbances, anaesthesia, and lack of autonomic functions. Functional recovery after disconnection of the motoneuronal soma from target tissue with proximal rupture of axons is determined by several factors: motoneuronal soma viability, proper axonal sprouting across inhibitory zones and elongation toward specific muscle, effective synapse contact rebuilding, and prevention of muscle atrophy. Therapies, such as adjuvant drugs with pleiotropic effects, that promote functional recovery after peripheral nerve injury are needed. Toward this aim, we designed a drug discovery workflow based on a network-centric molecular vision using unbiased proteomic data and neural artificial computational tools. Our focus is on boosting intrinsic capabilities of neurons for neuroprotection; this is in contrast to the common approach based on suppression of a pathobiological pathway known to be associated with disease condition. Using our workflow, we discovered neuroheal, a combination of two repurposed drugs that promotes motoneuronal soma neuroprotection, is anti-inflammatory, enhances axonal regeneration after axotomy, and reduces muscle atrophy. This drug discovery workflow has thus yielded a therapy that is close to its clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Romeo-Guitart
- Institut de Neurociències (INc) and Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) & Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Caty Casas
- Institut de Neurociències (INc) and Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) & Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
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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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5
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Araújo MR, Kyrylenko S, Spejo AB, Castro MV, Ferreira Junior RS, Barraviera B, Oliveira ALR. Transgenic human embryonic stem cells overexpressing FGF2 stimulate neuroprotection following spinal cord ventral root avulsion. Exp Neurol 2017; 294:45-57. [PMID: 28450050 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2017.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2016] [Revised: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 04/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Ventral root avulsion (VRA) triggers a strong glial reaction which contributes to neuronal loss, as well as to synaptic detachment. To overcome the degenerative effects of VRA, treatments with neurotrophic factors and stem cells have been proposed. Thus, we investigated neuroprotection elicited by human embryonic stem cells (hESC), modified to overexpress a human fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2), on motoneurons subjected to VRA. Lewis rats were submitted to VRA (L4-L6) and hESC/FGF-2 were applied to the injury site using a fibrin scaffold. The spinal cords were processed to evaluate neuronal survival, synaptic stability, and glial reactivity two weeks post lesion. Then, qRT-PCR was used to assess gene expression of β2-microglobulin (β2m), TNFα, IL1β, IL6 and IL10 in the spinal cord in vivo and FGF2 mRNA levels in hESC in vitro. The results indicate that hESC overexpressing FGF2 significantly rescued avulsed motoneurons, preserving synaptic covering and reducing astroglial reactivity. The cells were also shown to express BDNF and GDNF at the site of injury. Additionally, engraftment of hESC led to a significant reduction in mRNA levels of TNFα at the spinal cord ventral horn, indicating their immunomodulatory properties. Overall, the present data suggest that hESC overexpressing FGF2 are neuroprotective and can shift gene expression towards an anti-inflammatory environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Rocha Araújo
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sergiy Kyrylenko
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Aline Barroso Spejo
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mateus Vidigal Castro
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rui Seabra Ferreira Junior
- Department of Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP-Univ. Estadual Paulista), São Paulo State, Brazil; Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP), São Paulo State University (UNESP-Univ. Estadual Paulista), São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Benedito Barraviera
- Department of Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP-Univ. Estadual Paulista), São Paulo State, Brazil; Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP), São Paulo State University (UNESP-Univ. Estadual Paulista), São Paulo State, Brazil
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Lago N, Quintana A, Carrasco J, Giralt M, Hidalgo J, Molinero A. Absence of metallothionein-3 produces changes on MT-1/2 regulation in basal conditions and alters hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Neurochem Int 2014; 74:65-73. [PMID: 24969724 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2014.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2014] [Revised: 06/05/2014] [Accepted: 06/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Metallothioneins (MTs) are multipurpose proteins with clear antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and metal homeostasis properties. The roles of brain MT-1 and MT-2 are similar to those described in the periphery, and are inducible by metals, inflammatory and stress stimuli. MT-3, originally named growth inhibitory factor, exists mainly in the central nervous system, is hardly ever inducible and its functional role and regulation are poorly understood and controversial. In the present study we examined how absence of MT-3 affects phenotypic characteristics and its effects on MT1/2 expression in basal situation and after induction. Hyperactive behavior was found only in young male Mt-3 KO mice and disappeared in the older ones. Absence of MT-3 was associated with a significant increase of MT-1/2 protein levels in several brain areas but decreased MT-1 mRNA levels, which might be related to lower corticosterone levels. The response to stress or inflammation on corticosterone plasma levels was similar in wild type and Mt-3 KO mice, suggesting that the relevant MT-3 role as MT-1/2 regulator in basal conditions is lost when other important regulatory factors such as glucocorticoids or cytokines appear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Lago
- Institute of Neurosciences and Department of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Albert Quintana
- Institute of Neurosciences and Department of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Javier Carrasco
- Institute of Neurosciences and Department of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mercedes Giralt
- Institute of Neurosciences and Department of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan Hidalgo
- Institute of Neurosciences and Department of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Amalia Molinero
- Institute of Neurosciences and Department of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain.
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Morcuende S, Muñoz-Hernández R, Benítez-Temiño B, Pastor AM, de la Cruz RR. Neuroprotective effects of NGF, BDNF, NT-3 and GDNF on axotomized extraocular motoneurons in neonatal rats. Neuroscience 2013; 250:31-48. [PMID: 23827308 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.06.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2012] [Revised: 06/06/2013] [Accepted: 06/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Neurotrophic factors delivered from target muscles are essential for motoneuronal survival, mainly during development and early postnatal maturation. It has been shown that the disconnection between motoneurons and their innervated muscle by means of axotomy produces a vast neuronal death in neonatal animals. In the present work, we have evaluated the effects of different neurotrophic factors on motoneuronal survival after neonatal axotomy, using as a model the motoneurons innervating the extraocular eye muscles. With this purpose, neonatal rats were monocularly enucleated at the day of birth (postnatal day 0) and different neurotrophic treatments (NGF, BDNF, NT-3, GDNF and the mixture of BDNF+GDNF) were applied intraorbitally by means of a Gelfoam implant (a single dose of 5 μg of each factor). We first demonstrated that extraocular eye muscles of neonatal rats expressed these neurotrophic factors and therefore constituted a natural source of retrograde delivery for their innervating motoneurons. By histological and immunocytochemical methods we determined that all treatments significantly rescued extraocular motoneurons from axotomy-induced cell death. For the dose used, NGF and GDNF were the most potent survival factors for these motoneurons, followed by BDNF and lastly by NT-3. The simultaneous administration of BDNF and GDNF did not increase the survival-promoting effects above those obtained by GDNF alone. Interestingly, the rescue effects of all neurotrophic treatments persisted even 30 days after lesion. The administration of these neurotrophic factors, with the exception of NT-3, also prevented the loss of the cholinergic phenotype observed by 10 days after axotomy. At the dosage applied, NGF and GDNF were revealed again as the most effective neuroprotective agents against the axotomy-induced decrease in ChAT. Two remarkable findings highlighted in the present work that contrasted with other motoneuronal types after neonatal axotomy: first, the extremely high efficacy of NGF as a neuroprotective agent and, second, the long-lasting effects of neurotrophic administration on cell survival and ChAT expression in extraocular motoneurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Morcuende
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012 Sevilla, Spain
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Bond CW, Angeloni N, Harrington D, Stupp S, Podlasek CA. Sonic Hedgehog regulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor in normal and regenerating cavernous nerves. J Sex Med 2012; 10:730-7. [PMID: 23237228 DOI: 10.1111/jsm.12030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The cavernous nerve (CN) is commonly injured during prostatectomy. Manipulation of the nerve microenvironment is critical to improve regeneration and develop novel erectile dysfunction therapies. Sonic hedgehog (SHH) treatment promotes CN regeneration. The mechanism of how this occurs is unknown. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) facilitates return of erectile function after CN injury and it has been suggested in cortical neurons and the sciatic nerve that BDNF may be a target of SHH. AIM To determine if SHH promotes CN regeneration through a BDNF-dependent mechanism. METHODS Sprague Dawley rats underwent (i) bilateral CN crush (N = 15); (ii) SHH treatment of pelvic ganglia (PG)/CN (N = 10); (iii) SHH inhibition in PG/CN (N = 14 rats); (iv) CN crush with SHH treatment of PG/CN (N = 10 rats); (v) CN crush with SHH treatment and BDNF inhibition (N = 14 rats); and (vi) CN injury and SHH treatment of the penis (N = 23). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES BDNF and glial fibrillary acidic protein were quantified in PG/CN by Western, and a t-test was used to determine differences. RESULTS In normal rats SHH inhibition in the PG/CN decreased BDNF 34% and SHH treatment increased BDNF 36%. BDNF was increased 44% in response to SHH treatment of crushed CNs, and inhibition of BDNF in crushed CNs treated with SHH protein hampers regeneration. CONCLUSIONS SHH regulates BDNF in the normal and regenerating PG/CN. BDNF is part of the mechanism of how SHH promotes regeneration, thus providing an opportunity to further manipulate the nerve microenvironment with combination therapy to enhance regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher W Bond
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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Fujita Y, Watabe K, Ikeda K, Mizuno Y, Okamoto K. Morphological changes of Golgi apparatus in adult rats after facial nerve injuries. Neuropathology 2011; 31:42-7. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1789.2010.01123.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Zhang W, Sun B, Wang X, Liu J, Zhang Z, Geng S. Erythropoietin enhances survival of facial motor neurons by inhibiting expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase after axotomy. J Clin Neurosci 2010; 17:368-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2009.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2009] [Revised: 08/07/2009] [Accepted: 08/12/2009] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Seki Y, Suzuki SO, Nakamura S, Iwaki T. Degenerative and protective reactions of the rat trigeminal motor nucleus after removal of the masseter and temporal muscles. J Oral Pathol Med 2009; 38:777-84. [PMID: 19317850 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0714.2009.00772.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microsurgical reconstruction techniques have allowed treatment of advanced head and neck carcinomas; however, it remains difficult to achieve long-term, functional reconstruction of the faciocervical muscles. To address this issue, in this we developed a rat trigeminal nerve denervation model that closely simulates the effects of oral surgery. METHODS The rat trigeminal nerve denervation model was developed by removing the masseter and temporal muscles, and degeneration process of the trigeminal motor nucleus was investigated by immunohistochemistry with particular focus on microglial/astrocytic reactions and motoneuron degeneration. RESULTS Atrophy of the trigeminal motor nucleus was observed at 8 weeks after denervation. A microglial reaction peaked at 3 days post-operation, while an astrocytic reaction was evident within 2 weeks, and peaked around 4 weeks post-operation. Expression of the stress protein HSP27 and an autophagy marker Rab24 was also upregulated in the injured trigeminal motor nucleus. CONCLUSIONS The results from this study suggest that this model is a practical and useful tool help to develop a further understanding of the pathology of the trigeminal motor nucleus after surgical denervation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiro Seki
- Department of Neuropathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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An Analysis of Time-Dependent Changes of Neurotrophic Factors (BDNF, CNTF) in Traumatic Facial Nerve Injury of a Nerve-Cut and Nerve-Crush Model in Rats. Otol Neurotol 2008; 29:392-6. [DOI: 10.1097/mao.0b013e318161ab3e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Li Z, Ma J, Apel P, Carlson CS, Smith TL, Koman LA. Brachial plexus birth palsy-associated shoulder deformity: a rat model study. J Hand Surg Am 2008; 33:308-12. [PMID: 18343282 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2007.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2007] [Revised: 11/15/2007] [Accepted: 11/26/2007] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Although recovery occurs in the majority of cases of brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP), long-term shoulder disability is relatively common. The aim of this study was to establish an animal model to study BPBP-associated shoulder deformities. METHODS A right-side C5, C6 root neurotomy was performed under the surgical microscope in 5-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats (N = 9). The contralateral side served as a control. The development of shoulder deformity and range of motion loss were followed longitudinally. Animals were killed 4 months after surgery. Both shoulders were harvested, decalcified, and transected in the axial plane for glenoid version measurement and shoulder histology. RESULTS All animals developed shoulder internal rotation contracture within 4 weeks after the C5, C6 neurotomy. The average shoulder external rotation loss was 52 degrees +/- 7, 59 degrees +/- 10, and 82 degrees +/- 11 in comparison with the control side 1, 2, and 4 months after neurotomy, respectively. Glenoid version changed from 2 degrees +/- 2 of retroversion (left side) to 8 degrees +/- 3 of anteversion. Five shoulders were subluxated clinically with a pseudoglenoid formation observed radiographically. Histologic study demonstrated marked glenoid and humeral head deformities. CONCLUSIONS This neonatal rat model clearly demonstrated typical shoulder deformities similar to that resulting from Erb's palsy. This model can be useful in studying BPBP-associated shoulder deformities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongyu Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.
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Nagasao J, Hayashi Y, Kawazoe Y, Kawakami E, Watabe K, Oyanagi K. Relationship between ribosomal RNA gene transcription activity and motoneuron death: Observations of avulsion and axotomy of the facial nerve in rats. J Neurosci Res 2008; 86:435-42. [PMID: 17847080 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.21495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Motoneuron number and expression of cytoplasmic RNA and ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene transcription activity in the facial nucleus were examined quantitatively and chronologically for up to 4 weeks in rats after facial nerve axotomy and avulsion in order to elucidate interrelationships in axonal changes. The right facial nerves of adult Fischer rats were avulsed at a portion of the outlet or axotomized at a portion of the foramen stylomastoideus. The number of large motoneurons in the facial nucleus was reduced by 40% 2 weeks after avulsion and by 70% 4 weeks after avulsion but displayed a 19% loss even 4 weeks after axotomy. The amount of cytoplasmic RNA decreased significantly and progressively from 1 day after avulsion. rRNA gene transcription activity in the large motoneurons of the facial nucleus decreased significantly beginning 30 min after both axotomy and avulsion, but the severity of the decrease was far more marked in the avulsion group, showing a 59% loss from the control value 4 weeks after avulsion. These findings indicate that rRNA gene transcription activity, expression of cytoplasmic RNA, and the number of motoneurons that survive are interrelated and that the decrease in rRNA gene transcription activity is a very early event in the phenomena observed in the axonal reactions of motoneurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Nagasao
- Japan Foundation for Neuroscience and Mental Health, Tokyo, Japan
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Quartu M, Serra MP, Boi M, Ferretti MT, Lai ML, Del Fiacco M. Tissue distribution of Ret, GFRalpha-1, GFRalpha-2 and GFRalpha-3 receptors in the human brainstem at fetal, neonatal and adult age. Brain Res 2007; 1173:36-52. [PMID: 17825269 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2007.07.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2007] [Revised: 07/28/2007] [Accepted: 07/30/2007] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Occurrence and localization of receptor components of the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family ligands, the Ret receptor tyrosine kinase and the GDNF family receptor (GFR) alpha-1 to -3, were examined by immunohistochemistry in the normal human brainstem at fetal, neonatal, and adult age. Immunoreactive elements were detectable at all examined ages with uneven distribution and consistent pattern for each receptor. As a rule, the GFRalpha-1 and GFRalpha-2 antisera produced the most abundant and diffuse tissue labelling. Immunoreactive perikarya were observed within sensory and motor nuclei of cranial nerves, dorsal column nuclei, olivary nuclear complex, reticular formation, pontine nuclei, locus caeruleus, raphe nuclei, substantia nigra, and quadrigeminal plate. Nerve fibers occurred within gracile and cuneate fasciculi, trigeminal spinal tract and nucleus, facial, trigeminal, vestibular and oculomotor nerves, solitary tract, medial longitudinal fasciculus, medial lemniscus, and inferior and superior cerebellar peduncles. Occasionally, glial cells were stained. Age changes were appreciable in the distribution pattern of each receptor. On the whole, in the grey matter, labelled perikarya were more frequently observed in pre- and perinatal than in adult specimens; on the other hand, in discrete regions, nerve fibers and terminals were abundant and showed a plexiform arrangement only in adult tissue; finally, distinct fiber systems in the white matter were immunolabelled only at pre- and perinatal ages. The results obtained suggest the involvement of Ret and GFRalpha receptors signalling in processes subserving both the organization of discrete brainstem neuronal systems during development and their functional activity and maintenance in adult life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Quartu
- Department of Cytomorphology, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
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Bella AJ, Lin G, Tantiwongse K, Garcia M, Lin CS, Brant W, Lue TF. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) acts primarily via the JAK/STAT pathway to promote neurite growth in the major pelvic ganglion of the rat: part I. J Sex Med 2006; 3:815-820. [PMID: 16942526 DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2006.00291.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Identification of the molecular mechanism of cavernous nerve regeneration is essential for future development of neuroprotective and regenerative strategies. AIM To identify specific signal transduction pathway(s) associated with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) enhanced cavernous nerve regeneration in an in vitro model. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using 6-month-old male Fisher rats, inhibitors of four candidate signaling pathways were added to BDNF-treated explant cultures of major pelvic ganglia with attached cavernous nerve fragments. Study groups comprised of controls, BDNF alone at 50 ng/mL, or BDNF 50 ng/mL and inhibitors against MEK, PI3-K, PKA, and JAK/STAT pathways at increasing concentrations. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE The maximal neurite length for each tissue culture was measured and the mean maximal length +/- standard deviation was determined for all groups at 24, 36, and 48 hours. RESULTS The JAK/STAT specific inhibitor AG490 significantly reduced BDNF-enhanced neurite growth. Maximum neurite lengths at 24, 36, and 48 hours for BDNF 50 ng/mL treated groups were 182.3, 348.1, and 528.1 microm, compared with AG490 at 25 microM (86.4, 165.1, 278.3 microm), 50 microM (78.8, 151.7, 235.3 microm), and 100 microM (71.83, 107.0, 219.6 microm) (P < 0.05). Neurite measures for BDNF with 25 and 50 microM U0126 (MEK pathway) were reduced to 402.0 and 424.3 microm at 48 hours, respectively (P < 0.05), likely reflecting an accessory molecular pathway. A similar observation was made for 100 uM LY294002 (PI3-K). No difference was observed for PKA inhibition. CONCLUSION The JAK/STAT pathway is the major signal-transduction pathway of BDNF-enhanced cavernous nerve growth in an in vitro rat model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J Bella
- Department of Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Guiting Lin
- Department of Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kavirach Tantiwongse
- Department of Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Maurice Garcia
- Department of Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ching-Schwun Lin
- Department of Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - William Brant
- Department of Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Tom F Lue
- Department of Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Hayashi Y, Kawazoe Y, Sakamoto T, Ojima M, Wang W, Takazawa T, Miyazawa D, Ohya W, Funakoshi H, Nakamura T, Watabe K. Adenoviral gene transfer of hepatocyte growth factor prevents death of injured adult motoneurons after peripheral nerve avulsion. Brain Res 2006; 1111:187-95. [PMID: 16884699 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2006.06.104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2006] [Revised: 06/26/2006] [Accepted: 06/27/2006] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) exhibits strong neurotrophic activities on motoneurons both in vitro and in vivo. We examined survival-promoting effects of an adenoviral vector encoding human HGF (AxCAhHGF) on injured adult rat motoneurons after peripheral nerve avulsion. The production of HGF in COS1 cells infected with AxCAhHGF and its bioactivity were confirmed by ELISA, Western blot and Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cell scatter assay. The facial nerve or the seventh cervical segment (C7) ventral and dorsal roots of 3-month-old Fischer 344 male rats were then avulsed and removed from the stylomastoid or vertebral foramen, respectively, and AxCAhHGF, AxCALacZ (adenovirus encoding beta-galactosidase gene) or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) was inoculated in the lesioned foramen. Treatment with AxCAhHGF after avulsion significantly prevented the loss of injured facial and C7 ventral motoneurons as compared to AxCALacZ or PBS treatment and ameliorated choline acetyltransferase immunoreactivity in these neurons. These results indicate that HGF may prevent the degeneration of motoneurons in adult humans with motoneuron injury and motor neuron diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichi Hayashi
- Department of Molecular Neuropathology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Neuroscience, Tokyo Metropolitan Organization for Medical Research, 2-6 Musashidai, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8526, Japan
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