Differential expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in the axotomized motoneurons of normoxic and hypoxic rats

Elimination of microglia in mouse spinal cord alters the retrograde CNS plasticity observed following peripheral axon injury

Following the transection of peripherally located sympathetic preganglionic axons of the cervical sympathetic trunk (CST), transient retrograde neuronal and glial responses occur in the intermediolateral cell column (IML) of the spinal cord, the location of the parent neuronal cell bodies. The role of microglia in this central response to peripheral axon injury was examined in mice fed the PLX5622 diet containing colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor (CSF-1R) inhibitor for 28 days, which eliminated approximately 90% of spinal cord microglia. Microglia elimination did not impact baseline neurotransmitter expression in the IML neurons, and the typical neuronal plasticity observed following CST transection was unaffected. Oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) were significantly increased at one week post injury in the IML of mice fed the control diet, with no change in mature oligodendrocytes (OLs). Following microglia elimination, the baseline population of OPCs in the IML was increased, suggesting increased OPC proliferation. Injury in the microglia depleted mice resulted in no additional increase in OPCs. Though baseline astrocyte activation and GFAP protein expression were unaffected, microglia elimination led to increased activation and GFAP protein post injury when compared with mice fed the control diet. These results reveal that microglia regulate the baseline OPC population in the uninjured spinal cord and that activated microglia influence the activities of OL lineage cells as well as astrocytes. The regulatory roles of microglia observed in this study likely contribute to the long term survival of the IML neurons observed following the distal axon injury.

Combination of BMSCs-laden acellular nerve xenografts transplantation and G-CSF administration promotes sciatic nerve regeneration

Peripheral nerve gaps often lead to interrupted innervation, manifesting as severe sensory and motor dysfunctions. The repairs of the nerve injuries have not achieved satisfactory curative effects in clinic. The transplantation of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs)-laden acellular nerve xenografts (ANX) has been proven more effective than the acellular nerve allografting. Besides, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) can inhibit inflammation and apoptosis, and thus is conducive to the microenvironmental improvement of axonal regeneration. This study aims to investigate the joint effect of BMSCs-seeded ANX grafting and G-CSF administration, and explore the relevant mechanisms. Adult SD rats were divided into five groups randomly: ANX group, ANX combined with G-CSF group, BMSCs-laden ANX group, BMSCs-laden ANX combined with G-CSF group, and autograft group. Eight weeks after transplantation, the detection of praxiology and neuroelectrophysiology was conducted, and then the morphology of the regenerated nerves was analyzed. The inflammatory response and apoptosis in the nerve grafts as well as the expression of the growth-promoting factors in the regenerated tissues were further assayed. G-CSF intervention and BMSCs implanting synergistically promoted peripheral nerve regeneration and functional recovery following ANX bridging, and the restoration effect was matchable with that of the autologous nerve grafting. Moreover, local inflammation was alleviated, the apoptosis of the seeded BMSCs was decreased, and the levels of the neuromodulatory factors were elevated. In conclusion, the union application of BMSCs-implanted ANX and G-CSF ameliorated the niche of neurotization and advanced nerve regeneration substantially. The strategy achieved the favorable effectiveness as an alternative to the autotransplantation.

Changes in the expression and localization of signaling molecules in mouse facial motor neurons during regeneration of facial nerves

After injury, peripheral axons usually re-extend toward their target, and neuronal functions recover. Previous studies have reported that expression of various molecules are transiently altered in motor neurons after nerve injury, but the time course of these changes and their relationship with functional recovery have not been clearly demonstrated. We used the mouse facial nerve transection and suturing model, and examined the changes in expression of five molecules, choline acetyl transferase (ChAT), galanin, calcitonin gene-related protein (CGRP), gephyrin, and potassium chloride co-transporter 2 (KCC2) in the facial motor neurons after surgery until recovery. Number of ChAT-positive neurons was markedly decreased at days 3 and 7, and recovered to the normal level by day 60, when facial motor functions recovered. Localization of two neuropeptides, CGRP and galanin, was increased in the perikarya and axons during regeneration, and returned to the normal levels by days 60 and 28, respectively. Expression of two postsynaptic elements of γ-amino butyric acid synapses, gephyrin and KCC2, was decreased at days 3 and 7, and recovered by day 60. These results suggest that ChAT, CGRP, and KCC2 may be objective indicators of regeneration, and altering their expression may be related to the functional recovery and axonal re-extension.

Microtubule stabilization promoted axonal regeneration and functional recovery after spinal root avulsion

A spinal root avulsion injury disconnects spinal roots with the spinal cord. The rampant motoneuron death, inhibitory CNS/PNS transitional zone (TZ) for axonal regrowth and limited regeneration speed together lead to motor dysfunction. Microtubules rearrange to assemble a new growth cone and disorganized microtubules underline regeneration failure. It has been shown that microtubule-stabilizing drug, Epothilone B, enhanced axonal regeneration and attenuated fibrotic scaring after spinal cord injury. Here, we are reporting that after spinal root avulsion+ re-implantation in adult rats, EpoB treatment improved motor functional recovery and potentiated electrical responses of motor units. It facilitated axons to cross the TZ and promoted more and bigger axons in the peripheral nerve. Neuromuscular junctions were reformed with better preserved postsynaptic structure, and muscle atrophy was prevented by EpoB administration. Our study showed that EpoB was a promising therapy for promoting axonal regeneration after peripheral nerve injury.

Electro-acupuncture promotes the proliferation of neural stem cells and the survival of neurons by downregulating miR-449a in rat with spinal cord injury

The aim of this study is to investigate the mechanism of electro-acupuncture (EA) on the recovery of injured spinal cord. Rats were randomly divided into normal control, sham-operated, SCI, SCI+EA group and T10 segment spinal cord injury (SCI) rat model was established by the modified Allen's method. After 7 days, the mRNA and protein expression of Nestin, neuron specific nuclear protein (NeuN) and calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) were detected by real time RT-PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry respectively. The protein expression of cleaved caspase 3, Bax, Bcl-2, TNF-α and IL-1β were also detected by Western blot. MicroRNA 449a (miR-449a) expression was also compared. Further, 12 SCI rats were randomly divided into EA and miR subgroups (EA + miR-449a agomir injection). The expression of Nestin, NeuN, CGRP, cleaved caspase 3, Bax, Bcl-2, TNF-α, IL-1β and miR-449a was compared. The direct interaction of miR-449a and CGRP mRNA was assessed by dual luciferase reporter assay. At day 7, compared with sham-operated group, miR-449a expression in SCI group was significantly increased (P < 0.05), and NeuN and CGRP mRNA and protein expression was markedly decreased (P < 0.05), but protein levels of Nestin, cleaved caspase 3, TNF-α, IL-1β and the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 in SCI group were significantly increased (P < 0.05). The EA treatment significantly reduced miR-449a level and cleaved caspase 3, TNF-α, IL-1β level and the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 (P < 0.01), but substantially increased Nestin, NeuN and CGRP expression (P < 0.05 or 0.01). High level of miR-449a in miR subgroup was accompanied by decreased expression of Nestin, NeuN and CGRP and increased expression of cleaved caspase 3, TNF-α, IL-1β and elevation of the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 (P < 0.05), suggesting miR-449a inhibits the effects of EA on NSCs and neurons. Luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-449a bound to the 3' UTR of CGRP, and thereby regulated CGRP expression. In conclusion, EA promotes proliferation of neural stem cells and the survival of neurons by downregulation of miR-449a expression.

Functional Diversity of Neurotrophin Actions on the Oculomotor System

Neurotrophins play a principal role in neuronal survival and differentiation during development, but also in the maintenance of appropriate adult neuronal circuits and phenotypes. In the oculomotor system, we have demonstrated that neurotrophins are key regulators of developing and adult neuronal properties, but with peculiarities depending on each neurotrophin. For instance, the administration of NGF (nerve growth factor), BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) or NT-3 (neurotrophin-3) protects neonatal extraocular motoneurons from cell death after axotomy, but only NGF and BDNF prevent the downregulation in ChAT (choline acetyltransferase). In the adult, in vivo recordings of axotomized extraocular motoneurons have demonstrated that the delivery of NGF, BDNF or NT-3 recovers different components of the firing discharge activity of these cells, with some particularities in the case of NGF. All neurotrophins have also synaptotrophic activity, although to different degrees. Accordingly, neurotrophins can restore the axotomy-induced alterations acting selectively on different properties of the motoneuron. In this review, we summarize these evidences and discuss them in the context of other motor systems.

Special function of nestin(+) neurons in the medial septum-diagonal band of Broca in adult rats

Nestin(+) neurons have been shown to express choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in the medial septum-diagonal band of Broca in adult rats. This study explored the projection of nestin(+) neurons to the olfactory bulb and the time course of nestin(+) neurons in the medial septum-diagonal band of Broca in adult rats during injury recovery after olfactory nerve transection. This study observed that all nestin(+) neurons were double-labeled with ChAT in the medial septum-diagonal band of Broca. Approximately 53.6% of nestin(+) neurons were projected to the olfactory bulb and co-labeled with fast blue. A large number of nestin(+) neurons were not present in each region of the medial septum-diagonal band of Broca. Nestin(+) neurons in the medial septum and vertical limb of the diagonal band of Broca showed obvious compensatory function. The number of nestin(+) neurons decreased to a minimum later than nestin(-)/ChAT(+) neurons in the medial septum-diagonal band of Broca. The results suggest that nestin(+) cholinergic neurons may have a closer connection to olfactory bulb neurons. Nestin(+) cholinergic neurons may have a stronger tolerance to injury than Nestin(-)/ChAT(+) neurons. The difference between nestin(+) and nestin(-)/ChAT(+) neurons during the recovery process requires further investigations.

Striatal cholinergic functional alterations in hypoxic neonatal rats: Role of glucose, oxygen, and epinephrine resuscitation

Molecular processes regulating cholinergic functions play an important role in the control of respiration under hypoxia. Cholinergic alterations and its further complications in respiration due to hypoxic insult in neonatal rats and the effect of glucose, oxygen, and epinephrine resuscitation was evaluated in the present study. Receptor binding and gene expression studies were done in the corpus striatum to analyse the changes in total muscarinic receptors, muscarinic M1, M2, M3 receptors, and the enzymes involved in acetylcholine metabolism, choline acetyltransferase and acetylcholinesterase. Neonatal hypoxia decreased total muscarinic receptors with reduced expression of muscarinic M1, M2, and M3 receptor genes. The reduction in acetylcholine metabolism is indicated by the downregulated choline acetyltransferase and upregulated acetyl cholinesterase expression. These cholinergic disturbances were reversed to near control in glucose-resuscitated hypoxic neonates. The adverse effects of immediate oxygenation and epinephrine administration are also reported. The present findings points to the cholinergic alterations due to neonatal hypoxic shock and suggests a proper resuscitation method to ameliorate these striatal changes.

Transection of preganglionic axons leads to CNS neuronal plasticity followed by survival and target reinnervation

The goals of the present study were to investigate the changes in sympathetic preganglionic neurons following transection of distal axons in the cervical sympathetic trunk (CST) that innervate the superior cervical ganglion (SCG) and to assess changes in the protein expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor TrkB in the thoracic spinal cord. At 1 week, a significant decrease in soma volume and reduced soma expression of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in the intermediolateral cell column (IML) of T1 spinal cord were observed, with both ChAT-ir and non-immunoreactive neurons expressing the injury marker activating transcription factor 3. These changes were transient, and at later time points, ChAT expression and soma volume returned to control values and the number of ATF3 neurons declined. No evidence for cell loss or neuronal apoptosis was detected at any time point. Protein levels of BDNF and/or full length TrkB in the spinal cord were increased throughout the survival period. In the SCG, both ChAT-ir axons and ChAT protein remained decreased at 16 weeks, but were increased compared to the 10 week time point. These results suggest that though IML neurons show reduced ChAT expression and cell volume at 1 week following CST transection, at later time points, the neurons recovered and exhibited no significant signs of neurodegeneration. The alterations in BDNF and/or TrkB may have contributed to the survival of the IML neurons and the recovery of ChAT expression, as well as to the reinnervation of the SCG.

Selective distribution of GABA(A) receptor subtypes in mouse spinal dorsal horn neurons and primary afferents

In the spinal cord dorsal horn, presynaptic GABA(A) receptors (GABA(A)Rs) in the terminals of nociceptors as well as postsynaptic receptors in spinal neurons regulate the transmission of nociceptive and somatosensory signals from the periphery. GABA(A)Rs are heterogeneous and distinguished functionally and pharmacologically by the type of α subunit variant they contain. This heterogeneity raises the possibility that GABA(A)R subtypes differentially regulate specific pain modalities. Here, we characterized the subcellular distribution of GABA(A)R subtypes in nociceptive circuits by using immunohistochemistry with subunit-specific antibodies combined with markers of primary afferents and dorsal horn neurons. Confocal laser scanning microscopy analysis revealed a distinct, partially overlapping laminar distribution of α1-3 and α5 subunit immunoreactivity in laminae I-V. Likewise, a layer-specific pattern was evident for their distribution among glutamatergic, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic, and glycinergic neurons (detected in transgenic mice expressing vesicular glutamate transporter 2-enhanced green fluorescent protein [vGluT2-eGFP], glutamic acid decarboxylase [GAD]67-eGFP, and glycine transporter 2 (GlyT2)-eGFP, respectively). Finally, all four subunits could be detected within primary afferent terminals. C-fibers predominantly contained either α2 or α3 subunit immunoreactivity; terminals from myelinated (Aβ/Aδ) fibers were colabeled in roughly equal proportion with each subunit. The presence of axoaxonic GABAergic synapses was determined by costaining with gephyrin and vesicular inhibitory amino acid transporter to label GABAergic postsynaptic densities and terminals, respectively. Colocalization of the α2 or α3 subunit with these markers was observed in a subset of C-fiber synapses. Furthermore, gephyrin mRNA and protein expression was detected in dorsal root ganglia. Collectively, these results show that differential GABA(A)R distribution in primary afferent terminals and dorsal horn neurons allows for multiple, circuit-specific modes of regulation of nociceptive circuits.

Differential regulation of the expression of neurotrophin receptors in rat extraocular motoneurons after lesion

Neurotrophins acting through high-affinity tyrosine kinase receptors (trkA, trkB, and trkC) play a crucial role in regulating survival and maintenance of specific neuronal functions after injury. Adult motoneurons supplying extraocular muscles survive after disconnection from the target, but suffer dramatic changes in morphological and physiological properties, due in part to the loss of their trophic support from the muscle. To investigate the dependence of the adult rat extraocular motoneurons on neurotrophins, we examined trkA, trkB, and trkC mRNA expression after axotomy by in situ hybridization. trkA mRNA expression was detectable at low levels in unlesioned motoneurons, and its expression was downregulated 1 and 3 days after injury. Expression of trkB and trkC mRNAs was stronger, and after axotomy a simultaneous, but inverse regulation of both receptors was observed. Thus, whereas a considerable increase in trkB expression was seen about 2 weeks after axotomy, the expression of trkC mRNA had decreased at the same post-lesion period. Injured extraocular motoneurons also experienced an initial induction in expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide and a transient downregulation of cholinergic characteristics, indicating a switch in the phenotype from a transmitter-specific to a regenerative state. These results suggest that specific neurotrophins may contribute differentially to the survival and regenerative responses of extraocular motoneurons after lesion.

Distinct pathological patterns in relapsing-remitting and chronic models of experimental autoimmune enchephalomyelitis and the neuroprotective effect of glatiramer acetate

The respective roles of inflammatory and neurodegenerative processes in the pathology of multiple sclerosis (MS) and in its animal model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) are controversial. Novel treatment strategies aim to operate within the CNS to induce neuroprotection and repair processes in addition to their anti-inflammatory properties. In this study we analyzed and compared the in situ pathological manifestations of EAE utilizing two different models, namely the relapsing-remitting PLP-induced and the chronic MOG-induced diseases. To characterize pathological changes, both transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and immunohistochemistry were employed. The effect of the approved MS drug glatiramer acetate (GA, Copaxone) on myelin damage/repair and on motor neuron loss/preservation was studied in both EAE models. Ultrastructural spinal cord analysis revealed multiple white matter damage foci, with different patterns in the two EAE models. Thus, the relapsing-remitting model was characterized mainly by widespread myelin damage and by remyelinating fibers, whereas in the chronic model axonal degeneration was more prevalent. Loss of lower motor neurons was manifested only in mice with chronic MOG-induced disease. In the GA-treated mice, smaller lesions, increased axonal density and higher prevalence of normal appearing axons were observed, as well as decreased demyelination and degeneration. Furthermore, quantitative analysis of the relative remyelination versus demyelination, provides for the first time evidence of significant augmentation of remyelination after GA treatment. The loss of motor neurons in GA-treated mice was also reduced in comparison to that of EAE untreated mice. These effects were obtained even when GA treatment was applied in a therapeutic schedule, namely after the appearance of clinical symptoms. Hence, the remyelination and neuronal preservation induced by GA are in support of the neuroprotective consequences of this treatment.

Increase of CGRP expression in motor endplates within fore and hind limb muscles of the degenerating muscle mouse (Scn8a(dmu))

The distribution of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) was examined in skeletal muscles of fore and hind limb as well as in oral and cranio-facial regions of the degenerating muscle (dmu) mouse, which harbours a null mutation in the voltage-gated sodium channel gene Scn8a. In limb, oral and cranio-facial muscles of wild type mice, only a few motor endplates contained CGRP-immunoreactivity. However, many CGRP-immunoreactive motor endplates appeared in the triceps brachii muscle, the biceps brachii muscle, the brachialis muscle, and the gastrocnemius muscle of dmu mice. CGRP-immunoreactive density of motor endplates in the skeletal muscles was also elevated by the mutation. In these muscles, the atrophy of muscle fibers could be detected and the density of cell nuclei in the musculature increased. In the flexor digitorum profundus muscle, the flexor digitorum superficialis muscle, and the soleus muscle as well as in oral and craniofacial muscles, however, the distribution of CGRP-immunoreactivity was barely affected by the mutation. The morphology of muscle fibers and the distribution of cell nuclei within them were also similar in wild type and dmu mice. In the lumbar spinal cord of dmu mice, CGRP-immunoreactive density of spinal motoneurons increased. These findings suggest that the atrophic degeneration in some fore and hind limb muscles of dmu mice may increase CGRP expression in their motoneurons.

Axotomy alters alternative splicing of choline acetyltransferase in the rat dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve

Choline acetyltransferase of the peripheral type (pChAT) is a splice variant that lacks exons 6-9 of the common-type ChAT (cChAT); the role of pChAT remains unknown. We investigated the expression of pChAT and cChAT after axotomy to try to elucidate its function. In the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve (DMNV), nucleus ambiguus (NA), and hypoglossal nucleus (HN) of control rats, we observed neural expression of cChAT but no pChAT-positive neurons. Following nerve transection, we clearly detected pChAT-labeled neurons in the DMNV and weakly labeled neurons in the NA, but pChAT was not seen in the HN. In the DMNV, the mean number of cChAT-positive neurons decreased rapidly to 40.5% of control at 3 days post transection, and to 5.0% of control after 7 days. The number of cChAT-positive neurons then gradually increased and reached a plateau of about 25% of control value at 28 days post transection. pChAT-positive neurons did not appear until 7 days after transection. On the same day, pChAT mRNA was detected in the DMNV neurons by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) by using laser capture microdissection. The number of pChAT-positive neurons gradually decreased, and only 10% of the cholinergic neurons retained pChAT expression 56 days post transection. Double-immunofluorescence analysis showed that some of the DMNV neurons expressed both cChAT and pChAT upon recovery from axotomy. These results suggest that the expression of pChAT is associated with the regenerative or degenerative processes of motoneurons especially for general visceral efferents.

Melatonin preserves superoxide dismutase activity in hypoglossal motoneurons of adult rats following peripheral nerve injury

Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) produces functional changes in lesioned neurons in which oxidative stress is considered to be the main cause of neuronal damage. As superoxide dismutase (SOD) is an important antioxidative enzyme involved in redox regulation of oxidative stress, the present study determined whether melatonin would exert its beneficial effects by preserving the SOD reactivity following PNI. Adult rats subjected to hypoglossal nerve transection were intraperitoneally injected with melatonin at ones for 3, 7, 14, 30 and 60 days successively. The potential neuroprotective effects of melatonin were quantitatively demonstrated by neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), mitochondrial manganese SOD (Mn-SOD), and cytosolic copper-zinc SOD (Cu/Zn-SOD) immunohistochemistry. The functional recovery of the lesioned neurons was evaluated by choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) immunohistochemistry along with the electromyographic (EMG) recordings of denervation-induced fibrillation activity. The results indicate that following PNI, the nNOS immunoreactivity was significantly increased in lesioned neurons peaking at 14 days. The up-regulation of nNOS temporally coincided with the reduction of ChAT and SOD in which the Cu/Zn-SOD showed a greater diminution than Mn-SOD. However, following melatonin administration, the nNOS augmentation was successfully suppressed and the activities of Mn-SOD, Cu/Zn-SOD, and ChAT were effectively preserved at all postaxotomy periods. EMG data also showed a decreased fibrillation in melatonin-treated groups, suggesting a potential effect of melatonin in promoting functional recovery. In association with its significant capacity in preserving SOD reactivity, melatonin is suggested to serve as a powerful therapeutic agent for treating PNI-relevant oxidative damage.

Innervation and functional changes in mesenteric perivascular calcitonin gene-related peptide- and neuropeptide Y-containing nerves following topical phenol treatment

We have previously shown that age-related reduction of innervation and function in mesenteric perivascular calcitonin gene-related peptide-containing vasodilator nerves takes place in spontaneously hypertensive rats. The present study was performed to investigate innervation and functional changes in perivascular calcitonin gene-related peptide- and adrenergic neuropeptide Y-containing nerves after topical treatment with phenol, which damages nerve fibers, around the rat superior mesenteric artery. Under pentobarbital-Na anesthesia, 8-week-old Wistar rats underwent in vivo topical application of phenol (10% phenol in 90% ethanol) or saline (sham rats) to the superior mesenteric artery proximal to the bifurcation of the abdominal aorta. After the treatment, the animals were subjected to immunohistochemistry of the 3rd branch of small arteries proximal to the intestine and to vascular responsiveness testing on day 3 through day 14. The innervation levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide-like immunoreactivity containing fibers and neuropeptide Y-like immunoreactivity containing fibers were markedly reduced on day 3 to day 14 and on day 5 to day 14 after the treatment, compared with those in sham-operated rats, respectively. In perfused mesenteric vascular beds isolated from phenol-treated rats, adrenergic nerve-mediated vasoconstriction and calcitonin gene-related peptide nerve-mediated vasodilation in response to periarterial nerve stimulation (2-12 Hz) were significantly decreased on day 3 and day 7. Neurogenic release of norepinephrine in phenol-treated rats on day 7 was significantly smaller that that in sham-operated rats. Nerve growth factor content in the mesenteric arteries of phenol-treated rats was significantly lower than that in sham-operated rats. Administration of nerve growth factor using osmotic mini-pumps for 7 days after the phenol treatment resulted in greater density of calcitonin gene-related peptide- and neuropeptide Y-like immunoreactivity fibers than in phenol-treated rats and restored decreased vascular responses to periarterial nerve stimulation. These results suggest that topical phenol-treatment of the mesenteric artery effectively induces functional denervation of perivascular nerves, which can be prevented or reversed by nerve growth factor treatment.