GAP-43 and p75NGFR immunoreactivity in presynaptic cells following neuromuscular blockade by botulinum toxin in rat

Preliminary Study of S100B and Sema3A Expression Patterns in Regenerating Muscle Implicates P75-Expressing Terminal Schwann Cells and Muscle Satellite Cells in Neuromuscular Junction Restoration

Terminal Schwann cells (TSCs) help regulate the formation, maintenance, function, and repair of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) and axon guidance after muscle injury. Premature activation of muscle satellite cells (SCs), induced by isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) before injury, accelerates myogenic regeneration, disrupts NMJ remodeling and maturation, decreases Sema3A protein-induced neuro-repulsion, and is accompanied by time-dependent changes in S100B protein levels. Here, to study the effects of premature SC activation on TSCs and SCs, both expressing P75 nerve growth-factor receptor, in situ hybridization was used to identify transcripts of S100B and Sema3A, and the number, intensity, and diameter of expression sites were analyzed. The number of sites/fields expressing S100B and Sema3A increased with regeneration time (both p < 0.001). Expression-site intensity (S100B) and diameter (S100B and Sema3A) decreased during regeneration (p = 0.005; p < 0.05, p = 0.006, respectively). P75 protein colocalized with a subset of S100B and Sema3A expression sites. Principal component analyses of gene expression, protein levels, and histological variables (fiber diameter, vascular density) in control and ISDN-pretreated groups explained 83% and 64% of the dataset variance, respectively. A very strong loading coefficient for colocalization of P75 protein with S100B and Sema3A mRNAs (0.91) in control regenerating muscle dropped markedly during regeneration disrupted by premature SC activation (−0.10 in Factor 1 to 0.55 in Factor 3). These findings strongly implicate the triple-expression profile by TSCs and/or SCs as a strong correlate of the important synchrony of muscle and nerve regeneration after muscle tissue injury. The results have the potential to focus future research on the complex interplay of TSCs and SCs in neuromuscular tissue repair and help promote effective function after traumatic muscle injury.

Terminal Schwann Cell Aging: Implications for Age-Associated Neuromuscular Dysfunction

Action potential is transmitted to muscle fibers through specialized synaptic interfaces called neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). These structures are capped by terminal Schwann cells (tSCs), which play essential roles during formation and maintenance of the NMJ. tSCs are implicated in the correct communication between nerves and muscles, and in reinnervation upon injury. During aging, loss of muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia and dynapenia) are due, at least in part, to the progressive loss of contacts between muscle fibers and nerves. Despite the important role of tSCs in NMJ function, very little is known on their implication in the NMJ-aging process and in age-associated denervation. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the implication of tSCs in the age-associated degeneration of NMJs. We also speculate on the possible mechanisms underlying the observed phenotypes.

Botulinum Toxin Conditioning Enhances Motor Axon Regeneration in Mouse and Human Preclinical Models

BACKGROUND

Peripheral axon regeneration is improved when the nerve lesion under consideration has recently been preceded by another nerve injury. This is known as the conditioning lesion effect (CLE). While the CLE is one of the most robust and well characterized means to enhance motor axon regeneration in experimental models, it is not considered a clinically feasible strategy. A pharmacological means to re-produce the CLE is highly desirable.

OBJECTIVE

To test whether chemodenervation with a clinical grade formulation of botulinum toxin A (BoTX) would be sufficient to reproduce the CLE.

METHODS

We examined the effects of a 1-week preconditioning administration of BoTX on motor axon regrowth in both a mouse tibial nerve injury and human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-based model. We assessed neuronal reinnervation in vivo (mice) with retrograde tracers and histological analysis of peripheral nerve tissue after injections into the triceps surae muscle group. We assessed motor neuron neurite outgrowth in vitro (hESC) after incubation in BoTX by immunohistochemistry and morphometric analysis.

RESULTS

We found that BoTX conditioning treatment significantly enhanced outgrowth of both murine motor axons in vivo and human MN neurites in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

BoTX preconditioning represents a pharmacological candidate approach to enhance motor axon regeneration in specific clinical scenarios such as nerve transfer surgery. Further studies are needed to elucidate the molecular mechanism.

The Schwann Cell as an Active Synaptic Partner

The schwann cells of the peripheral nervous system are indispensable for the formation, maintenance, and modulation of synapses over the life cycle. They not only recognize neuron-glia signaling molecules, but also secrete gliotransmitters. Through these processes, they regulate neuronal excitability and thus the release of neurotransmitters from the nerve terminal at the neuromuscular junction. Gliotransmitters strongly affect nerve communication, and their secretion is mainly triggered by synchronized Ca²⁺ signaling, implicating Ca²⁺ waves in synapse function. Reciprocally, neurotransmitters released during synaptic activity can evoke increases in intracellular Ca²⁺ levels. A reconsideration of the interplay between the two main types of cells in the nervous system is due, as the concept of nervous system activity comprising only neuron-neuron and neuron-muscle action has become untenable. A more precise understanding of the roles of schwann cells in nerve-muscle signaling is required.

Abnormal response of distal Schwann cells to denervation in a mouse model of motor neuron disease

In several animal models of motor neuron disease, degeneration begins in the periphery. Clarifying the possible role of Schwann cells remains a priority. We recently showed that terminal Schwann cells (TSCs) exhibit abnormalities in postnatal mice that express mutations of the SOD1 enzyme found in inherited human motor neuron disease. TSC abnormalities appeared before disease-related denervation commenced and the extent of TSC abnormality at P30 correlated with the extent of subsequent denervation. Denervated neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) were also observed that lacked any labeling for TSCs. This suggested that SOD1 TSCs may respond differently than wildtype TSCs to denervation which remain at denervated NMJs for several months. In the present study, the response of SOD1 TSCs to experimental denervation was examined. At P30 and P60, SC-specific S100 labeling was quickly lost from SOD1 NMJs and from preterminal regions. Evidence indicates that this loss eventually becomes complete at most SOD1 NMJs before reinnervation occurs. The loss of labeling was not specific for S100 and did not depend on loss of activity. Although some post-denervation labeling loss occurred at wildtype NMJs, this loss was never complete. Soon after denervation, large cells appeared near SOD1 NMJ bands which colabeled for SC markers as well as for activated caspase-3 suggesting that distal SOD1 SCs may experience cell death following denervation. Denervated SOD1 NMJs viewed 7 days after denervation with the electron microscope confirmed the absence of TSCs overlying endplates. These observations demonstrate that SOD1 TSCs and distal SCs respond abnormally to denervation. This behavior can be expected to hinder reinnervation and raises further questions concerning the ability of SOD1 TSCs to support normal functioning of motor terminals.

Altered terminal Schwann cell morphology precedes denervation in SOD1 mice

In mice that express SOD1 mutations found in human motor neuron disease, degeneration begins in the periphery for reasons that remain unknown. At the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), terminal Schwann cells (TSCs) have an intimate relationship with motor terminals and are believed to help maintain the integrity of the motor terminal. Recent evidence indicates that TSCs in some SOD1 mice exhibit abnormal functional properties, but other aspects of possible TSC involvement remain unknown. In this study, an analysis of TSC morphology and number was performed in relation to NMJ innervation status in mice which express the G93A SOD1 mutation. At P30, all NMJs of the fast medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscle were fully innervated by a single motor axon but 50% of NMJs lacked TSC cell bodies and were instead covered by the processes of Schwann cells with cell bodies located on the preterminal axons. NMJs in P30 slow soleus muscles were also fully innervated by single motor axons and only 5% of NMJs lacked a TSC cell body. At P60, about 25% of MG NMJs were denervated and lacked labeling for TSCs while about 60% of innervated NMJs lacked TSC cell bodies. In contrast, 96% of P60 soleus NMJs were innervated while 9% of innervated NMJs lacked TSC cell bodies. The pattern of TSC abnormalities found at P30 thus correlates with the pattern of denervation found at P60. Evidence from mice that express the G85R SOD1 mutation indicate that TSC abnormalities are not unique for mice that express G93A SOD1 mutations. These results add to an emerging understanding that TSCs may play a role in motor terminal degeneration and denervation in animal models of motor neuron disease.

Perisynaptic Schwann Cells at the Neuromuscular Synapse: Adaptable, Multitasking Glial Cells

The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is engineered to be a highly reliable synapse to carry the control of the motor commands of the nervous system over the muscles. Its development, organization, and synaptic properties are highly structured and regulated to support such reliability and efficacy. Yet, the NMJ is also highly plastic, able to react to injury and adapt to changes. This balance between structural stability and synaptic efficacy on one hand and structural plasticity and repair on another hand is made possible by the intricate regulation of perisynaptic Schwann cells, glial cells at this synapse. They regulate both the efficacy and structural plasticity of the NMJ in a dynamic, bidirectional manner owing to their ability to decode synaptic transmission and by their interactions via trophic-related factors.

Neuron-glia interactions: the roles of Schwann cells in neuromuscular synapse formation and function

The NMJ (neuromuscular junction) serves as the ultimate output of the motor neurons. The NMJ is composed of a presynaptic nerve terminal, a postsynaptic muscle and perisynaptic glial cells. Emerging evidence has also demonstrated an existence of perisynaptic fibroblast-like cells at the NMJ. In this review, we discuss the importance of Schwann cells, the glial component of the NMJ, in the formation and function of the NMJ. During development, Schwann cells are closely associated with presynaptic nerve terminals and are required for the maintenance of the developing NMJ. After the establishment of the NMJ, Schwann cells actively modulate synaptic activity. Schwann cells also play critical roles in regeneration of the NMJ after nerve injury. Thus, Schwann cells are indispensable for formation and function of the NMJ. Further examination of the interplay among Schwann cells, the nerve and the muscle will provide insights into a better understanding of mechanisms underlying neuromuscular synapse formation and function.

Induction of zinc-finger proliferation 1 expression in non-myelinating Schwann cells after denervation

Terminal Schwann cells (tSCs) are non-myelinating glia that wrap the nerve terminal at the neuromuscular junction. They are required for the maintenance of the neuromuscular synapse and are likely to play essential roles in the restoration of synaptic connections after nerve injury. tSCs acquire a reactive phenotype after nerve damage characterized by the extension of cellular processes that may facilitate reinnervation. The molecular signaling events underpinning the tSC reactive state remain elusive, in particular, little is known about transcription factors involved in the transcriptional reprogramming during tSC activation. Prior research implicated nine members of the zinc-finger transcription factor family in Schwann cell (SC) development and myelination, and levels of one such protein were reported increased in other non-myelinating SCs after denervation. We hypothesize that zinc-finger transcription factors could play a role during tSC activation. Because of their relative paucity, tSCs are difficult to study molecularly. Here, we used the rat cervical sympathetic trunk (CST), an autonomic nerve in which non-myelinating SCs are the predominant cell type, to isolate zinc-finger protein (ZFP) cDNAs by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. We isolated 29 unique ZFP sequences of which zinc proliferation 1 (Zipro1) was the most abundant. We found that after CST transection, levels for Zipro1 mRNA doubled and that Zipro1 protein expression increased in non-myelinating CST SCs. We also determined that Zipro1 is expressed in tSCs and its levels increased following skeletal muscle denervation. Thus, Zipro1 is a good candidate for a transcription factor involved in activation of non-myelinating SCs in general, and tSCs in particular.

Expression of Nav1.6 sodium channels by Schwann cells at neuromuscular junctions: Role in the motor endplate disease phenotype

In addition to their role in action potential generation and fast synaptic transmission in neurons, voltage-dependent sodium channels can also be active in glia. Terminal Schwann cells (TSCs) wrap around the nerve terminal arborization at the neuromuscular junction, which they contribute to shape during development and in the postdenervation processes. Using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), immunofluorescence, and confocal microscopy, we detected the neuronal Nav1.6 sodium channel transcripts and proteins in TSCs in normal adult rats and mice. Nav1.6 protein co-localized with the Schwann cell marker S-100 but was not detected in the SV2-positive nerve terminals. The med phenotype in mice is due to a mutation in the SCN8A gene resulting in loss of Nav1.6 expression. It leads to early onset in postnatal life of defects in neuromuscular transmission with minimal alteration of axonal conduction. Strikingly, in mutant mice, the nonmyelinated pre-terminal region of axons showed abundant sprouting at neuromuscular junctions, and most of the alpha-bungarotoxin-labeled endplates were devoid of S-100- or GFAP-positive TSCs. Using specific antibodies against the Nav1.2 and Nav1.6 sodium channels, ankyrin G and Caspr 1, and a pan sodium channel antibody, we found that a similar proportion of ankyrin G-positive nodes of Ranvier express sodium channels in mutant and wild-type animals and that nodal expression of Nav1.2 persists in med mice. Our data supports the hypothesis that the lack of expression of Nav1.6 in Schwann cells at neuromuscular junctions might play a role in the med phenotype.

LNX1 is a perisynaptic Schwann cell specific E3 ubiquitin ligase that interacts with ErbB2

Non-myelinating perisynaptic Schwann cells wrap motor axon terminals and are required for both functional and structural integrity of the neuromuscular junction. Several lines of evidence indicate that fine-tuning of neuregulin-1/ErbB signaling is critical for maintaining perisynaptic Schwann cells at synapses and that this control may be achieved by the developmental downregulation of the ErbB2 receptor. Here, we identify a direct interaction between ErbB2 and LNX1, an E3 ubiquitin ligase that can target interacting proteins for degradation through ubiquitination. Immunostaining shows that LNX1 is specifically localized in perisynaptic Schwann cells but not in Schwann cells along the motor axon. Developmentally, levels of LNX1 protein are inversely correlated with the responsiveness of perisynaptic Schwann cells to neuregulin-1. Furthermore, the LNX1 staining disappears upon denervation, whereas ErbB2 reappears in Schwann cells after denervation. Taken together, these data suggest that LNX1 may play a role in regulating neuregulin-1/ErbB signaling in perisynaptic Schwann cells.

Gene expression of nAChR, SNAP-25 and GAP-43 in skeletal muscles following botulinum toxin A injection: a study in rats

PURPOSE

Botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) is used to manage spasticity in cerebral palsy. BoNT-A cleaves SNAP-25 protein, blocking acetylcholine release and weakening the muscle. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) including alpha, beta, delta, gamma, and epsilon subunits, and GAP-43 protein are associated with functional recovery of neuromuscular junctions (NMJ) following BoNT-A. To better understand the mechanism behind this functional recovery, this study attempted to (1) document changes in NMJ morphometry following BoNT-A, and (2) determine the gene expression of nAChR subunits, SNAP-25, and GAP-43 protein.

METHODS

In this rat study (46 rats), 6 units/kg body weight of BoNT-A was injected into the gastrocnimus. NMJ morphometry and the time course of gene expression of nAChR subunits, SNAP-25, and GAP-43 were evaluated up to 1year post-injection.

RESULTS

NMJ morphometry: gutter depth was reduced vs. the control side at two months, and normalizing by 6 months following BoNT. nAChR alpha mRNA and gamma mRNA increased by 3 days, peaked at 7 days and returned to control levels; delta mRNA peaked at 3 days. Epsilon mRNA peaked by 7 days. SNAP-25 mRNA increased from 60 to 90 days, returning to control levels by 6 months. GAP-43 mRNA was unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS

Specific nAChR subunit mRNA expression up-regulates and then returns to normal within two weeks, preceding changes in NMJ morphometry. Although GAP-43 participates in nerve sprouting, no increase of GAP-43 mRNA occurred following BoNT-A. Delayed up-regulation of SNAP-25 mRNA might be associated with muscle functional recovery.

Reparative mechanisms in the cerebellar cortex

In the adult brain, different neuronal populations display different degrees of plasticity. Here, we describe the highly different plastic properties of inferior olivary neurones and Purkinje cells. Olivary neurones show a basal expression of growth-associated proteins, such as GAP-43 and Krox24/EGR-1, and remarkable remodelling capabilities of their terminal arbour. They also regenerate their transected neurites into growth-permissive territories and may reinnervate the lost target. Sprouting and regrowing olivary axons are able to follow specific positional information cues to establish new connections according to the original projection map. In addition, they set a strong cell body reaction to injury, which in specific olivary subsets is regulated by inhibitory target-derived cues. In contrast, Purkinje cells do not have a constitutive level of growth-associated genes, and show little cell body reaction, no axonal regeneration after axotomy, and weak sprouting capabilities. Block of myelin-derived signals allows terminal arbour remodelling, but not regeneration, while selective over-expression of GAP-43 induces axonal sprouting along the axonal surface and at the level of the lesion. We suggest that the high constitutive intrinsic plasticity of the inferior olive neurones allows their terminal arbour to sustain the activity-dependent ongoing competition with the parallel fibres in order to maintain the post-synaptic territory, and possibly underlies mechanisms of learning and memory. Such a plasticity is used also as a reparative mechanism following axotomy. In contrast, in Purkinje cells, poor intrinsic regenerative capabilities and myelin-derived signals stabilise the mature connectivity and prevent axonal regeneration after lesion.

Perisynaptic Schwann cells at the neuromuscular junction: nerve- and activity-dependent contributions to synaptic efficacy, plasticity, and reinnervation

Glial cells are increasingly recognized for their important contributions to CNS and PNS synaptic function. Perisynaptic Schwann cells, which are glial cells at the neuromuscular junction, have proven to be an exceptionally useful model for studying these roles. Recent studies have shown that they detect and reciprocally modulate synaptic efficacy in an activity-dependent manner in the short term. In addition, perisynaptic Schwann cells guide reinnervating nerve sprouts after deinnervation, and many important parameters of this are dependent on synapse activity. Thus, it is hypothesized that perisynaptic Schwann cells are key integrators in a continuum of synaptic efficacy, stability, and plasticity at the neuromuscular junction, which is important for maintaining and restoring synaptic efficacy.

Response of GAP-43 and p75 in human neuromas over time after traumatic injury

OBJECTIVE

GAP-43 and p75 are proteins that promote growth cone and neurite formation, elongation, and arborization in regenerating nerve axons. The objectives of this study were to determine whether GAP-43 and the low-affinity nerve growth factor receptor p75 are elevated in traumatic neuromas and whether there is a correlation between the relative amount of GAP-43 or p75 and demographic characteristics such as time elapsed between injury and repair.

METHODS

Traumatic neuromas from 21 randomly selected patients were studied, and the charts were reviewed. Specimens were collected at the time of nerve resection and grafting. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed on each sample and normal human nerve with antibodies to GAP-43 and p75. Western blot and computerized gel analyses were performed.

RESULTS

All neuroma specimens harvested within 13 months of injury exhibited markedly elevated GAP-43 levels compared with normal nerve. Specimens harvested at 14 months or more after injury showed precipitously lower GAP-43 levels, similar to or less than those of normal nerve. The correlation between the amount of intra-axonal GAP-43 and postinjury time interval was statistically significant, P = 0.0038. High GAP-43 levels were also correlated with transection injury, high postoperative sensory grade, and pain. p75 levels were elevated, without consistent variation in our population.

CONCLUSION

These preliminary data suggest that the expression of intra-axonal GAP-43 may vary over time after injury, remaining elevated for approximately the first year, then decreasing abruptly to normal or subnormal levels. These results correlate with clinical experience, indicating that peripheral nerves should be repaired relatively early if repair is indicated.

Atypical cells in human cutaneous re-excision scars for melanoma express p75NGFR, C56/N-CAM and GAP-43: evidence of early Schwann cell differentiation

BACKGROUND

A common problem in the routine examination of melanoma re-excision scars occurs when a few or rare mildly atypical cells are present within the scar, raising the question of residual disease. Little is known about the derivation of these cells. Because the normal cutaneous wound-healing process is reparative, we hypothesized that these atypical cells may be reactive proliferating Schwann cell precursors.

METHODS

The expression of the Schwann cell differentiation markers p75NGFR, CD56/N-CAM and GAP-43 was examined by immunohistochemistry in scars of wide local re-excisions for melanoma and non-melanoma tumors. Expression of S100, gp100 (with HMB45) and MART1 was also analyzed by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

All melanoma and non-melanoma re-excision specimens contained mildly atypical, spindled or epithelioid cells within the scar. They varied in number from case to case and expressed S100, p75NGFR, CD56/N-CAM or GAP-43 but not gp100 (with HMB45) or MART1. Rare epithelioid non-melanoma cells within the superficial dermis expressed MART-1.

CONCLUSIONS

Atypical cells are present in re-excision scars from melanoma and non-melanoma cases. They demonstrate early Schwann cell differentiation and appear to proliferate during the scarring process. The use of anti-MART-1 alone in the examination of melanoma re-excisions specimens may be inadequate as it may label rare, superficially located, non-melanoma cells within the scar.

Early and selective loss of neuromuscular synapse subtypes with low sprouting competence in motoneuron diseases

The addition or loss of synapses in response to changes in activity, disease, or aging is a major aspect of nervous system plasticity in the adult. The mechanisms that affect the turnover and maintenance of synapses in the adult are poorly understood and are difficult to investigate in the brain. Here, we exploited a unique anatomical arrangement in the neuromuscular system to determine whether subtypes of synapses can differ in anatomical plasticity and vulnerability. In three genetic mouse models of motoneuron disease of diverse origin and severity, we observed a gradual and selective loss of synaptic connections that begun long before the onset of clinical deficits and correlated with the timing of disease progression. A subgroup of fast-type (fast-fatiguable) neuromuscular synapses was highly vulnerable and was lost very early on. In contrast, slow-type synapses resisted up to the terminal phase of the disease. Muscle-specific differences were also evident. Similar selective losses were detected in aged mice. These selective vulnerability properties of synapses coincided with hitherto unrecognized major differences in stimulus-induced anatomical plasticity that could also be revealed in healthy mice. Using paralysis and/or growth-associated protein 43 overexpression to induce synaptic sprouting, we found that slow-type, disease-resistant synapses were particularly plastic. In contrast, fast-type synapses with the highest vulnerability failed to exhibit any stimulus-induced change. The results reveal pronounced subtype specificity in the anatomical plasticity and susceptibility to loss of neuromuscular synapses and suggest that degenerative motoneuron diseases involve a common early pathway of selective and progressive synaptic weakening also associated with aging.

B-50, the growth associated protein-43: modulation of cell morphology and communication in the nervous system

The growth-associated protein B-50 (GAP-43) is a presynaptic protein. Its expression is largely restricted to the nervous system. B-50 is frequently used as a marker for sprouting, because it is located in growth cones, maximally expressed during nervous system development and re-induced in injured and regenerating neural tissues. The B-50 gene is highly conserved during evolution. The B-50 gene contains two promoters and three exons which specify functional domains of the protein. The first exon encoding the 1-10 sequence, harbors the palmitoylation site for attachment to the axolemma and the minimal domain for interaction with G0 protein. The second exon contains the "GAP module", including the calmodulin binding and the protein kinase C phosphorylation domain which is shared by the family of IQ proteins. Downstream sequences of the second and non-coding sequences in the third exon encode species variability. The third exon also contains a conserved domain for phosphorylation by casein kinase II. Functional interference experiments using antisense oligonucleotides or antibodies, have shown inhibition of neurite outgrowth and neurotransmitter release. Overexpression of B-50 in cells or transgenic mice results in excessive sprouting. The various interactions, specified by the structural domains, are thought to underlie the role of B-50 in synaptic plasticity, participating in membrane extension during neuritogenesis, in neurotransmitter release and long-term potentiation. Apparently, B-50 null-mutant mice do not display gross phenotypic changes of the nervous system, although the B-50 deletion affects neuronal pathfinding and reduces postnatal survival. The experimental evidence suggests that neuronal morphology and communication are critically modulated by, but not absolutely dependent on, (enhanced) B-50 presence.

Effects of botulinum neurotoxin type A on abducens motoneurons in the cat: alterations of the discharge pattern

The discharge characteristics that abducens motoneurons exhibit after paralysis of the lateral rectus muscle with botulinum neurotoxin type A were studied in the alert cat. Antidromically identified motoneurons were recorded during both spontaneous and vestibularly induced eye movements. A single injection of 0.3 ng/kg produced a complete paralysis of the lateral rectus muscle lasting for about 12-15 days, whereas after 3 ng/kg the paralysis was still complete at the longest time checked, three months. Motoneurons recorded under the effect of the low dose showed differences in their sensitivities to both eye position and velocity according to the direction of the previous and ongoing movements, respectively. These directional differences could be explained by post-saccadic adaptation of the non-injected eye in the appropriate direction for reducing ocular misalignment. Thus, backward and forward post-saccadic drifts accompanied on- and off-directed saccades, respectively. The magnitude of the drift was similar to the magnitude of changes in eye position sensitivity. The discharge of the high-dose-treated motoneurons could be described in a three-stage sequence. During the initial 10-12 days, motoneuronal discharge resembled the effects of axotomy, particularly in the loss of tonic signals and the presence of exponential-like decay of firing after saccades. In this stage, the conduction velocity of abducens motoneurons was reduced by 21.4%. The second stage was characterized by an overall reduction in firing rate towards a tonic firing at 15-70 spikes/s. Motoneurons remained almost unmodulated for all types of eye movement and thus eye position and velocity sensitivities were significantly reduced. Tonic firing ceased only when the animal became drowsy, but was restored by alerting stimuli. In addition, the inhibition of firing for off-directed saccades was more affected than the burst excitation during on-directed saccades, since in many cells pauses were almost negligible. These alterations could not be explained by adaptational changes in the movement of the non-injected eye. Finally, after 60 days the initial stages of recovery were observed. The present results indicate that the high dose of botulinum neurotoxin produces effects on the motoneuron not attributable to the functional disconnection alone, but to a direct effect of the neurotoxin in the motoneuron and/or its synaptic inputs.

GAP-43 mRNA in mouse motoneurons undergoing axonal sprouting in response to muscle paralysis of partial denervation

To test the hypothesis that collateral sprouting of motoneurons can occur without the intervention of metabolic changes in the cell body, we examined the levels of growth-associated protein 43 (GAP-43) mRNA in mouse motoneurons induced to sprout by muscle inactivity (following marcaine or botulinum toxin treatment) or by partial denervation. GAP-43 mRNA was selected as an appropriate marker for cell body metabolic changes because it is expressed at low levels in mature motoneurons, but is strongly expressed during developmental or regenerative axonal growth in motoneurons. Sprouting motoneurons were identified by retrograde labelling with fluorescent tracers applied to the muscle in which sprouting occurred. Both a full-length cDNA probe and an oligonucleotide probe were used for in situ hybridization. We were unable to detect any significant increases in GAP-43 mRNA levels in fluorescent motoneurons after any treatment, except 4 days after partial denervation (but not at 2 or 8 days). This amounted to a 1.6-fold increase in signal level compared to control motoneurons, while presumed axotomized motoneurons in the same spinal cords displayed on average an 8. 7-fold increase. We conclude that collateral sprouting can occur in motoneurons without a detectable increase in cell body levels of GAP-43 mRNA. The modest increase observed in the 4-day partial denervation situation may be a response to the more vigorous and extensive nodal axonal sprouting occurring in these motoneurons. Our results do not deny a role for pre-existing GAP-43 in collateral sprouting, but support the hypothesis that sprouting can occur in motoneurons without necessarily requiring increase GAP-43 mRNA levels in the cell body.

Increase of B-50/GAP-43 immunoreactivity in uninjured muscle nerves of MDX mice

Lack of dystrophin in mdx mice leads to muscle fibre degeneration followed by the formation of new myofibres. This degeneration-regeneration event occurs in clusters. It is accompanied by inflammation and remodelling of the intramuscular terminal nerve fibres. Since the growth-associated protein B-50/GAP-43 has been shown to be involved in axonal outgrowth and synaptic remodelling following neuronal injury, we have investigated the presence of B-50 in gastrocnemius and quadriceps muscles of mdx mice. Using immunocytochemistry we demonstrate increased presence of B-50 in terminal nerve branches at motor endplates of mdx mice, particularly in the clusters of de- and regenerating myofibres. In comparison, the control mice displayed no B-50 immunoreactivity in nerve fibres contacting motor endplates. Our findings indicate that during axonal remodelling and collateral sprouting the B-50 level in the terminal axon arbours is increased although there is no direct injury to the motoneurons. We suggest that the degenerating target and/or the inflammatory reaction induces the increased B-50 level in the motoaxons. The increased B-50 may be important for sprouting of the nerve fibres and re-establishment of synaptic contacts, and in addition, for maturation and survival of the newly formed myofibres.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide-like immunoreactivity, in botulinum toxin-paralysed rat muscles

Changes in calcitonin gene-related peptide-like immunoreactivity (CGRP-LI) at the motor endplates of botulinum toxin-paralysed rat muscles were investigated using immunohistochemistry. One day following toxin injection, a dramatic increase in CGRP-LI was detected at the motor endplates and within preterminal axons of the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles. The upregulation of CGRP-LI persisted throughout the period during which muscle fibres were paralysed and new neuromuscular junctions were being formed by the growing sprouts. Decline of CGRP-LI at the motor endplates coincided with clinical recovery. Both up- and down-regulation of CGRP-LI took place earlier in the soleus than in the gastrocnemius muscle. Up-regulation of CGRP-LI was also detected in a subpopulation of motor axons in the sciatic nerves and in the spinal motor neurons innervating the paralysed muscles. These results indicate that levels of CGRP are regulated, at least partly, by changes in the target innervation. They also suggest an important role for CGRP in the regenerative processes following muscle paralysis.