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Protective effects of adenoviral cardiotrophin-1 gene transfer on rubrospinal neurons after spinal cord injury in adult rats

Protective effects of adenoviral cardiotrophin-1 gene transfer on rubrospinal neurons after spinal cord injury in adult rats

Authors :
Zhengfeng Zhang
Xin-Fu Zhou
Qing-Feng Yang
Wei-Hong Liao
Ya-Min Wu
Hong-Yun Li
Source :
Neurotoxicity research. 5(7)
Publication Year :
2004

Abstract

Cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1), a muscle-derived cytokine, supports the survival of motoneurons in vivo and in vitro. The present study investigated whether adenoviral huCT-1 gene transfer protected injured neurons from cell death or atrophy and promoted regeneration of rubrospinal tract (RST) after spinal cord injury in adult rats. Administration of the adenoviral CT-1 vector (Adv-CT1) to C3-4 lateral funiculus hemisection cavity, that completely interrupted RST, led to sustained CT-1 expression. Providing Adv-CT1, which rescued 20% of neurons, could prevent the loss of injured rubrospinal neurons 8 weeks post-injury. Retrograde tracing with FluoroGold showed that 1.2% of RST neurons regenerated at least two segments caudal to the injury site. Anterograde tracing with biotinylated dextran amine revealed that the RST axons terminated in white matter and gray matter. Behavioral testing revealed a significant functional recovery in limb usage. This observation indicated that adenoviral CT-1 gene transfer into the injured cord promoted survival and regeneration of rubrospinal neurons in adult rats.

Details

ISSN :
10298428
Volume :
5
Issue :
7
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Neurotoxicity research
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....574b386a5dbd1b970bdadc3679a6d22f