1
|
Kallogjerovic S, Velázquez-Quesada I, Hadap R, Gligorijevic B. Retrograde tracing of breast cancer-associated sensory neurons. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.26.582088. [PMID: 38463981 PMCID: PMC10925213 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.26.582088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality among women. The tumor microenvironment, consisting of host cells and extracellular matrix, has been increasingly studied for its interplay with cancer cells, and the resulting effect on tumor progression. While the breast is one of the most innervated organs in the body, the role of neurons, and specifically sensory neurons, has been understudied, mostly for technical reasons. One of the reasons is the anatomy of sensory neurons: sensory neuron somas are located in the spine, and their axons can extend longer than a meter across the body to provide innervation in the breast. Next, neurons are challenging to culture, and there are no cell lines adequately representing the diversity of sensory neurons. Finally, sensory neurons are responsible for transporting several different types of signals to the brain, and there are many different subtypes of sensory neurons. The subtypes of sensory neurons which innervate and interact with breast tumors are unknown. To establish the tools for labeling and subtyping neurons that interact with breast cancer cells, we utilized two retrograde tracer's standards in neuroscience, wheat-germ agglutinin (WGA) and cholera toxin subunit B (CTB). In vitro , we employed primary sensory neurons isolated from mouse dorsal root ganglia, cultured in a custom-built microfluidic device DACIT, that mimics the anatomical compartmentalization of the sensory neuron's soma and axons. In vivo , we utilized both syngeneic and transgenic mouse models of mammary carcinoma. We show that CTB and WGA trace different but overlapping sensory neuronal subpopulations: while WGA is more efficient in labeling CGRP+ neurons, CTB is superior in labeling the NF200+ neurons. Surprisingly, both tracers are also taken up by a significant population of breast cancer cells, both in vitro and in vivo . In summary, we have established methodologies for retrograde tracing of sensory neurons interacting with breast cancer cells. Our tools will be useful for future studies of breast tumor innervation, and development of therapies targeting breast cancer-associated neuron subpopulations of sensory neurons.
Collapse
|
2
|
Cui JJ, Wang J, Xu DS, Wu S, Guo YT, Su YX, Liu YH, Wang YQ, Jing XH, Bai WZ. Alexa Fluor 488-conjugated cholera toxin subunit B optimally labels neurons 3-7 days after injection into the rat gastrocnemius muscle. Neural Regen Res 2022; 17:2316-2320. [PMID: 35259856 PMCID: PMC9083145 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.337055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural tract tracing is used to study neural pathways and evaluate neuronal regeneration following nerve injuries. However, it is not always clear which tracer should be used to yield optimal results. In this study, we examined the use of Alexa Fluor 488-conjugated cholera toxin subunit B (AF488-CTB). This was injected into the gastrocnemius muscle of rats, and it was found that motor, sensory, and sympathetic neurons were labeled in the spinal ventral horn, dorsal root ganglia, and sympathetic chain, respectively. Similar results were obtained when we injected AF594-CTB into the tibialis anterior muscle. The morphology and number of neurons were evaluated at different time points following the AF488-CTB injection. It was found that labeled motor and sensory neurons could be observed 12 hours post-injection. The intensity was found to increase over time, and the morphology appeared clear and complete 3-7 days post-injection, with clearly distinguishable motor neuron axons and dendrites. However, 14 days after the injection, the quality of the images decreased and the neurons appeared blurred and incomplete. Nissl and immunohistochemical staining showed that the AF488-CTB-labeled neurons retained normal neurochemical and morphological features, and the surrounding microglia were also found to be unaltered. Overall, these results imply that the cholera toxin subunit B, whether unconjugated or conjugated with Alexa Fluor, is effective for retrograde tracing in muscular tissues and that it would also be suitable for evaluating the regeneration or degeneration of injured nerves.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Jing Cui
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jia Wang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dong-Sheng Xu
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shuang Wu
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ya-Ting Guo
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Xin Su
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yi-Han Liu
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Qing Wang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiang-Hong Jing
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wan-Zhu Bai
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhang T, Niu J, Wang Y, Yan J, Hu W, Mi D. The role of C-afferents in mediating neurogenic vasodilatation in plantar skin after acute sciatic nerve injury in rats. BMC Neurosci 2020; 21:15. [PMID: 32299361 PMCID: PMC7161243 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-020-00564-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Vasomotor regulation of dermal blood vessels, which are critical in the function of the skin in thermoregulatory control, involves both neural and non-neural mechanisms. Whereas the role of sympathetic nerves in regulating vasomotor activities is comprehensively studied and well recognized, that of sensory nerves is underappreciated. Studies in rodents have shown that severance of the sciatic nerve leads to vasodilatation in the foot, but whether sympathetic or sensory nerve fibers or both are responsible for the neurogenic vasodilatation remains unknown. Results In adult Sprague–Dawley rats, vasodilatation after transection of the sciatic nerve gradually diminished to normal within 3–4 days. The neurotmesis-induced neurogenic vasodilatation was not detectable when the sciatic nerve was chronically deafferentated by selective resection of the dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) that supply the nerve. Specific activation of C-afferents by intra-neural injection of capsaicin resulted in neurogenic vasodilatation to a magnitude comparable to that by neurotmesis, and transection of the sciatic nerve pre-injected with capsaicin did not induce further vasodilatation. Conclusions Our results collectively indicate that vasodilatation after traumatic nerve injury in rats is predominantly mediated by C-fiber afferents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tao Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The Third People's Hospital of Nantong City and The Third Nantong Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiahui Niu
- Key Laboratory for Neuroregeneration of Ministry of Education and Co-innovation Center for Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu Province, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yaxian Wang
- Key Laboratory for Neuroregeneration of Ministry of Education and Co-innovation Center for Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu Province, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Junying Yan
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wen Hu
- Key Laboratory for Neuroregeneration of Ministry of Education and Co-innovation Center for Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu Province, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Neurochemistry, Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY, 10314, USA
| | - Daguo Mi
- Department of Orthopedics, Nantong City Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang XS, Chen X, Gu TW, Wang YX, Mi DG, Hu W. Axonotmesis-evoked plantar vasodilatation as a novel assessment of C-fiber afferent function after sciatic nerve injury in rats. Neural Regen Res 2019; 14:2164-2172. [PMID: 31397356 PMCID: PMC6788242 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.262595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Quantitative assessment of the recovery of nerve function, especially sensory and autonomic nerve function, remains a challenge in the field of nerve regeneration research. We previously found that neural control of vasomotor activity could be potentially harnessed to evaluate nerve function. In the present study, five different models of left sciatic nerve injury in rats were established: nerve crush injury, nerve transection/suturing, nerve defect/autografting, nerve defect/conduit repair, and nerve defect/non-regeneration. Laser Doppler perfusion imaging was used to analyze blood perfusion of the hind feet. The toe pinch test and walking track analysis were used to assess sensory and motor functions of the rat hind limb, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the density of unmyelinated axons in the injured sciatic nerve. Our results showed that axonotmesis-evoked vasodilatation in the foot 6 months after nerve injury/repair recovered to normal levels in the nerve crush injury group and partially in the other three repair groups; whereas the nerve defect/non-regeneration group exhibited no recovery in vasodilatation. Furthermore, the recovery index of axonotmesis-evoked vasodilatation was positively correlated with toe pinch reflex scores and the density of unmyelinated nerve fibers in the regenerated nerve. As C-fiber afferents are predominantly responsible for dilatation of the superficial vasculature in the glabrous skin in rats, the present findings indicate that axonotmesis-evoked vasodilatation can be used as a novel way to assess C-afferent function recovery after peripheral nerve injury. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee for Laboratory Animals of Nantong University of China (approval No. 20130410-006) on April 10, 2013.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Song Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University (The Third People's Hospital of Wuxi City), Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xue Chen
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Tian-Wen Gu
- Key Laboratory for Neuroregeneration of Ministry of Education and Co-innovation Center for Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu Province, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ya-Xian Wang
- Key Laboratory for Neuroregeneration of Ministry of Education and Co-innovation Center for Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu Province, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Da-Guo Mi
- Department of Orthopedics, Nantong Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wen Hu
- Key Laboratory for Neuroregeneration of Ministry of Education and Co-innovation Center for Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu Province, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Injection of Fluoro-Gold into the tibial nerve leads to prolonged but reversible functional deficits in rats. Sci Rep 2019; 9:9906. [PMID: 31289330 PMCID: PMC6616333 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-46285-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Tract tracing with neuronal tracers not only represents a straightforward approach to identify axonal projection connection between regions of the nervous system at distance but also provides compelling evidence for axonal regeneration. An ideal neuronal tracer meets certain criteria including high labeling efficacy, minimal neurotoxicity, rapid labeling, suitable stability in vivo, and compatibility to tissue processing for histological/immunohistochemical staining. Although labeling efficacy of commonly used fluorescent tracers has been studied extensively, neurotoxicity and their effect on neural functions remains poorly understood. In the present study, we comprehensively evaluated motor and sensory nerve function 2-24 weeks after injection of retrograde tracer Fluoro-Gold (FG), True Blue (TB) or Fluoro-Ruby (FR) in the tibial nerve in adult Spague-Dawley rats. We found that motor and sensory nerve functions were completely recovered by 24 weeks after tracer exposure, and that FG lead to a more prolonged delay in functional recovery than TB. These findings shed light on the long-term effect of tracers on nerve function and peripheral axonal regeneration, and therefore have implications in selection of appropriate tracers in relevant studies.
Collapse
|
6
|
Bernal L, Cisneros E, García-Magro N, Roza C. Immunostaining in whole-mount lipid-cleared peripheral nerves and dorsal root ganglia after neuropathy in mice. Sci Rep 2019; 9:8374. [PMID: 31182787 PMCID: PMC6558043 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-44897-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunohistochemical characterization of primary afferent fibers (intact or after nerve damage) is traditionally performed in thin sections from dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) or in teased fibers, as light scattering in whole-mounts compromises visualization. These procedures are time-consuming, require specific equipment and advanced experimental skills. Lipid-clearing techniques are increasing in popularity, but they have never been used for the peripheral nervous system. We established a modified, inexpensive clearing method based on lipid-removal protocols to make transparent peripheral nerve tissue (inCLARITY). We compared retrograde-labeling and free-floating immunostaining with cryo-sections. Confocal microscopy on whole-mount transparent DRGs showed neurons marked with retrograde tracers applied to experimental neuromas (Retrobeads, Fluoro-ruby, Fluoro-emerald, DiI, and Fluoro-gold). After immunostaining with calcitonin gene-related peptide (peptidergic) or isolectin IB4 (non-peptidergic), nociceptors were visualized. Immunostaining in transparent whole-mount nerves allows simultaneous evaluation of the axotomized branches containing the neuroma and neighboring intact branches as they can be mounted preserving their anatomical disposition and fiber integrity. The goal of our study was to optimize CLARITY for its application in peripheral nerve tissues. The protocol is compatible with the use of retrograde tracers and improves immunostaining outcomes when compared to classical cryo-sectioning, as lack of lipids maximizes antibody penetration within the tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Bernal
- Department of System's Biology, Medical School, University of Alcala, Alcalá de Henares, 28871, Madrid, Spain
| | - E Cisneros
- Department of System's Biology, Medical School, University of Alcala, Alcalá de Henares, 28871, Madrid, Spain.,Centro Universitario Internacional de Madrid (CUNIMAD), Madrid, Spain
| | - N García-Magro
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Neuroscience, Medical School, Autonoma University of Madrid, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - C Roza
- Department of System's Biology, Medical School, University of Alcala, Alcalá de Henares, 28871, Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ghergherehchi CL, Mikesh M, Sengelaub DR, Jackson DM, Smith T, Nguyen J, Shores JT, Bittner GD. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) and other bioactive solutions with neurorrhaphy for rapid and dramatic repair of peripheral nerve lesions by PEG-fusion. J Neurosci Methods 2018; 314:1-12. [PMID: 30586569 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2018.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nervous system injuries in mammals often involve transection or segmental loss of peripheral nerves. Such injuries result in functional (behavioral) deficits poorly restored by naturally occurring 1-2 mm/d axonal outgrowths aided by primary repair or reconstruction. "Neurorrhaphy" or nerve repair joins severed connective tissues, but not severed cytoplasmic/plasmalemmal extensions (axons) within the tissue. NEW METHOD PEG-fusion consists of neurorrhaphy combined with a well-defined sequence of four pharmaceutical agents in solution, one containing polyethylene glycol (PEG), applied directly to closely apposed viable ends of severed axons. RESULTS PEG-fusion of rat sciatic nerves: (1) restores axonal continuity across coaptation site(s) within minutes, (2) prevents Wallerian degeneration of many distal severed axons, (3) preserves neuromuscular junctions, (4) prevents target muscle atrophy, (5) produces rapid and improved recovery of voluntary behaviors compared with neurorrhaphy alone, and (6) PEG-fused allografts are not rejected, despite no tissue-matching nor immunosuppression. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS If PEG-fusion protocols are not correctly executed, the results are similar to that of neurorrhaphy alone: (1) axonal continuity across coaptation site(s) is not re-established, (2) Wallerian degeneration of all distal severed axons rapidly occurs, (3) neuromuscular junctions are non-functional, (4) target muscle atrophy begins within weeks, (5) recovery of voluntary behavior occurs, if ever, after months to levels well-below that observed in unoperated animals, and (6) allografts are either rejected or not well-accepted. CONCLUSION PEG-fusion produces rapid and dramatic recovery of function following rat peripheral nerve injuries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Michelle Mikesh
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
| | - Dale R Sengelaub
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA.
| | | | - Tyler Smith
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
| | - Jacklyn Nguyen
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
| | - Jaimie T Shores
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation (VCA) Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Ross Research Building 749D, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - George D Bittner
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Yao F, Zhang E, Gao Z, Ji H, Marmouri M, Xia X. Did you choose appropriate tracer for retrograde tracing of retinal ganglion cells? The differences between cholera toxin subunit B and Fluorogold. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0205133. [PMID: 30289890 PMCID: PMC6173421 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholera toxin subunit B (CTB) and Fluorogold(FG) are two widely utilized retrograde tracers to assess the number and function of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). However, the relative advantages and disadvantages of these tracers remain unclear, which may lead to their inappropriate application. In this study, we compared these tracers by separately injecting the tracer into the superior Colliculi (SC) in rats, one or 2 weeks later, the rats were sacrificed, and their retinas, brains, and optic nerves were collected. From the first to second week, FG displayed a greater number of labeled RGCs and a larger diffusion area in the SC than CTB; The number of CTB labeled RGCs and the diffusion area of CTB in the SC increased significantly, but there was no distinction between FG; Furthermore, CTB exhibited more labeled RGC neurites and longer neurites than FG, but no difference was evident between the same trace; The optic nerves labeled using CTB were much clearer than those labeled using FG. In conclusion, both CTB and FG can be used for the retrograde labeling of RGCs in rats at 1 or 2 weeks. FG achieves retrograde labeling of a greater number of RGCs than CTB, whereas CTB better delineates the morphology of RGCs. Furthermore, CTB seems more suitable for retrograde labeling of some small, non-image forming nuclei in the brain to which certain RGC subtypes project their axons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fei Yao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Endong Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhaolin Gao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hongpei Ji
- Department of Ophthalmology, The People’s Hospital of Guizhou Province, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Mahmoud Marmouri
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaobo Xia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Liu D, Mi D, Zhang T, Zhang Y, Yan J, Wang Y, Tan X, Yuan Y, Yang Y, Gu X, Hu W. Tubulation repair mitigates misdirection of regenerating motor axons across a sciatic nerve gap in rats. Sci Rep 2018; 8:3443. [PMID: 29467542 PMCID: PMC5821835 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-21652-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The repair of peripheral nerve laceration injury to obtain optimal function recovery remains a big challenge in the clinic. Misdirection of regenerating axons to inappropriate target, as a result of forced mismatch of endoneurial sheaths in the case of end-to-end nerve anastomosis or nerve autografting, represents one major drawback that limits nerve function recovery. Here we tested whether tubulation repair of a nerve defect could be beneficial in terms of nerve regeneration accuracy and nerve function. We employed sequential retrograde neuronal tracing to assess the accuracy of motor axon regeneration into the tibial nerve after sciatic nerve laceration and entubulation in adult Sprague-Dawley rats. In a separate cohort of rats with the same sciatic nerve injury/repair protocols, we evaluated nerve function recovery behaviorally and electrophysiologically. The results showed that tubulation repair of the lacerated sciatic nerve using a 3-6-mm-long bioabsorbable guidance conduit significantly reduced the misdirection of motor axons into the tibial nerve as compared to nerve autografting. In addition, tubulation repair ameliorated chronic flexion contracture. This study suggests that tubulation repair of a nerve laceration injury by utilizing a bioresorbable nerve guidance conduit represents a potential substitute for end-to-end epineurial suturing and nerve autografting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dan Liu
- Key Laboratory for Neuroregeneration of Ministry of Education and Co-innovation Center for Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu Province, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China.,The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China
| | - Daguo Mi
- Department of Orthopedics, Nantong Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China
| | - Tuanjie Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Neuroregeneration of Ministry of Education and Co-innovation Center for Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu Province, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China
| | - Yanping Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Neuroregeneration of Ministry of Education and Co-innovation Center for Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu Province, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China.,Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery and Cosmetology, Longyan First Hospital, Longyan, Fujian, 364000, China
| | - Junying Yan
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China
| | - Yaxian Wang
- Key Laboratory for Neuroregeneration of Ministry of Education and Co-innovation Center for Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu Province, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China
| | - Xuefeng Tan
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China
| | - Ying Yuan
- Key Laboratory for Neuroregeneration of Ministry of Education and Co-innovation Center for Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu Province, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China.,The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China
| | - Yumin Yang
- Key Laboratory for Neuroregeneration of Ministry of Education and Co-innovation Center for Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu Province, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China
| | - Xiaosong Gu
- Key Laboratory for Neuroregeneration of Ministry of Education and Co-innovation Center for Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu Province, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China
| | - Wen Hu
- Key Laboratory for Neuroregeneration of Ministry of Education and Co-innovation Center for Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu Province, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Janjic JM, Gorantla VS. Peripheral Nerve Nanoimaging: Monitoring Treatment and Regeneration. AAPS JOURNAL 2017; 19:1304-1316. [PMID: 28779380 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-017-0129-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Accidental and iatrogenic trauma are major causes of peripheral nerve injury. Healing after nerve injury is complex and often incomplete, which can lead to acute or chronic pain and functional impairment. Current assessment methods for nerve regeneration lack sensitivity and objectivity. There is a need for reliable and reproducible, noninvasive strategies with adequate spatial and temporal resolution for longitudinal evaluation of degeneration or regeneration after injury/treatment. Methods for noninvasive monitoring of the efficacy and effectiveness of neurotherapeutics in nerve regeneration or of neuropathic pain are needed to ensure adequacy and responsiveness to management, especially given the large variability in the patient populations, etiologies, and complexity of nerve injuries. Surrogate biomarkers are needed with positive predictive correlation for the dynamics and kinetics of neuroregeneration. They can provide direct real-time insight into the efficacy and mechanisms of individualized therapeutic intervention. Here, we review the state-of-the-art tools, technologies, and therapies in peripheral nerve injury and regeneration as well as provide perspectives for the future. We present compelling evidence that advancements in nanomedicine and innovation in nanotechnology such as nanotheranostics hold groundbreaking potential as paradigm shifts in noninvasive peripheral nerve imaging and drug delivery. Nanotechnology, which revolutionized molecular imaging in cancer and inflammatory disease, can be used to delineate dynamic molecular imaging signatures of neuroinflammation and neuroregeneration while simultaneously monitoring cellular or tissue response to drug therapy. We believe that current clinical successes of nanotechnology can and should be adopted and adapted to the science of peripheral nerve injury and regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jelena M Janjic
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, 415 Mellon Hall, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15282, USA. .,Chronic Pain Research Consortium, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15282, USA. .,McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, 1602 E. Carson Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15203, USA.
| | - Vijay S Gorantla
- Departments of Surgery, Ophthalmology and Bioengineering, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, 391 Technology Way, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27101, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Mead B, Tomarev S. Evaluating retinal ganglion cell loss and dysfunction. Exp Eye Res 2016; 151:96-106. [PMID: 27523467 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2016.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Revised: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cells (RGC) bear the sole responsibility of propagating visual stimuli to the brain. Their axons, which make up the optic nerve, project from the retina to the brain through the lamina cribrosa and in rodents, decussate almost entirely at the optic chiasm before synapsing at the superior colliculus. For many traumatic and degenerative ocular conditions, the dysfunction and/or loss of RGC is the primary determinant of visual loss and are the measurable endpoints in current research into experimental therapies. To actually measure these endpoints in rodent models, techniques must ascertain both the quantity of surviving RGC and their functional capacity. Quantification techniques include phenotypic markers of RGC, retrogradely transported fluorophores and morphological measurements of retinal thickness whereas functional assessments include electroretinography (flash and pattern) and visual evoked potential. The importance of the accuracy and reliability of these techniques cannot be understated, nor can the relationship between RGC death and dysfunction. The existence of up to 30 types of RGC complicates the measuring process, particularly as these may respond differently to disease and treatment. Since the above techniques may selectively identify and ignore particular subpopulations, their appropriateness as measures of RGC survival and function may be further limited. This review discusses the above techniques in the context of their subtype specificity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ben Mead
- Section of Retinal Ganglion Cell Biology, Laboratory of Retinal Cell and Molecular Biology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
| | - Stanislav Tomarev
- Section of Retinal Ganglion Cell Biology, Laboratory of Retinal Cell and Molecular Biology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| |
Collapse
|