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The adsorption of serum proteins on the surface of nanoparticles (NPs) delivered into a biological environment has been known to alter NP surface properties and consequently their targeting efficiency. In this paper, we use random copolymer (p(HEMA- ran-GMA))-based NPs synthesized using 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and glycidyl methacrylate (GMA). We show that serum proteins bind to the NP and that functionalization with antibodies and peptides designed to facilitate NP passage across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to bind specific cell types is ineffective. In particular, we use systematic in vitro and in vivo analyses to demonstrate that p(HEMA- ran-GMA) NPs functionalized with HIV-1 trans-activating transcriptor peptide (known to cross the BBB) and α neural/glial antigen 2 (NG2) (known for targeting oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs)), individually and in combination, do not specifically target OPCs and are unable to cross the BBB, likely due to the serum protein binding to the NPs.

Following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), further mild impacts can exacerbate negative outcomes. To compare chronic damage and deficits following increasing numbers of repeated mTBIs, a closed-head weight-drop model of repeated mTBI was used to deliver 1, 2 or 3 mTBIs to adult female rats at 24 h intervals. Outcomes were assessed at 3 months following the first mTBI. No gross motor, sensory or reflex deficits were identified (p 0.05), consistent with current literature. Cognitive function assessed using a Morris water maze revealed chronic memory deficits following 1 and 2, but not 3 mTBI compared to shams (p ≤ 0.05). Oxidative damage to DNA was assessed immunohistochemically in the dentate hilus of the hippocampus and splenium of the corpus callosum; no changes were observed. IBA1-positive microglia were increased in size in the cortex following 1 mTBI and in the corpus callosum following 2 mTBI compared to shams (p ≤ 0.05); no changes were observed in the dentate hilus. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive astrocyte immunoreactivity was assessed in all three brain regions and no chronic changes were observed. Integrity of myelin ultrastructure in the corpus callosum was assessed using transmission electron microscopy. G ratio was decreased following 2 mTBIs compared to shams (p ≤ 0.05) at post hoc level only. The changing patterns of damage and deficits following increasing numbers of mTBI may reflect dynamic responses to small numbers of mTBIs or a conditioning effect such that increasing numbers of mTBIs do not necessarily result in worsening pathology. OPEN SCIENCE BADGES: This article has received a badge for *Open Materials* because it provided all relevant information to reproduce the study in the manuscript. The complete Open Science Disclosure form for this article can be found at the end of the article. More information about the Open Practices badges can be found at https://cos.io/our-services/open-science-badges/. Cover Image for this issue: doi: 10.1111/jnc.14508.

Following neurotrauma, secondary degeneration of neurons and glia adjacent to the injury leads to further functional loss. A combination of ion channel inhibitors (lomerizine + oxATP + YM872) has been shown to be effective at limiting structural and functional loss due to secondary degeneration. Here we assess efficacy of the combination where oxATP is replaced with Brilliant Blue G (BBG), a more clinically applicable P2X7 receptor inhibitor. Partial optic nerve transection was used to model secondary degeneration in adult female rats. Animals were treated with combinations of lomerizine + YM872 + oxATP or lomerizine + YM872 + BBG, delivered via osmotic mini-pump directly to the injury site. Outcomes assessed were Iba1 + and ED1 + microglia and macrophages, oligodendroglial cell numbers, node/paranode structure and visual function using the optokinetic nystagmus test. The lomerizine + BBG + YM872 combination was at least as effective at the tested concentrations as the lomerizine + oxATP + YM872 combination at preserving node/paranode structure and visual function when delivered locally. However, neither ion channel inhibitor combination significantly improved microglial/macrophage nor oligodendroglial numbers compared to vehicle-treated controls. In conclusion, a locally delivered combination of ion channel inhibitors incorporating lomerizine + BBG + YM872 is at least as effective at limiting secondary degeneration following partial injury to the optic nerve as the combination incorporating oxATP.

Background Following injury to the central nervous system, increased microglia, secretion of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and altered blood-brain barrier permeability, a hallmark of degeneration, are observed at and immediately adjacent to the injury site. However, few studies investigate how regions remote from the primary injury could also suffer from inflammation and secondary degeneration. Methods Adult female Piebald-Viral-Glaxo (PVG) rats underwent partial transection of the right optic nerve, with normal, age-matched, unoperated animals as controls. Perfusion-fixed brains and right optic nerves were harvested for immunohistochemical assessment of inflammatory markers and blood-brain barrier integrity; fresh-frozen brains were used for multiplex cytokine analysis. Results Immediately ventral to the optic nerve injury, immunointensity of both the pro-inflammatory biomarker inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and the anti-inflammatory biomarker arginase-1 (Arg1) increased at 7 days post-injury, with colocalization of iNOS and Arg1 immunoreactivity within individual cells. CD11b+ and CD45+ cells were increased 7 days post-injury, with altered BBB permeability still evident at this time. In the lower and middle optic tract and superior colliculus, IBA1+ resident microglia were first increased at 3 days; ED1+ and CD11b+ cells were first increased in the middle and upper tract and superior colliculus 7 days post-injury. Increased fibrinogen immunoreactivity indicative of altered BBB permeability was first observed in the contralateral upper tract at 3 days and middle tract at 7 days post-injury. Multiplex cytokine analysis of brain homogenates indicated significant increases in the pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-2 and TNFα, and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 1 day post-injury, decreasing to control levels at 3 days for TNFα and 7 days for IL-2. IL-10 was significantly elevated at 1 and 7 days post-injury with a dip at 3 days post-injury. Conclusions Partial injury to the optic nerve induces a complex remote inflammatory response, characterized by rapidly increased pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in brain homogenates, increased numbers of IBA1+ cells throughout the visual pathways, and increased CD11b+ and ED1+ inflammatory cells, particularly towards the synaptic terminals. BBB permeability can increase prior to inflammatory cell infiltration, dependent on the brain region.

© 2017 The Author(s). Background: Following partial injury to the central nervous system, cells beyond the initial injury site undergo secondary degeneration, exacerbating loss of neurons, compact myelin and function. Changes in Ca2+ flux are associated with metabolic and structural changes, but it is not yet clear how flux through specific ion channels contributes to the various pathologies. Here, partial optic nerve transection in adult female rats was used to model secondary degeneration. Treatment with combinations of three ion channel inhibitors was used as a tool to investigate which elements of oxidative and structural damage related to long term functional outcomes. The inhibitors employed were the voltage gated Ca2+ channel inhibitor Lomerizine (Lom), the Ca2+ permeable AMPA receptor inhibitor YM872 and the P2X7 receptor inhibitor oxATP. Results: Following partial optic nerve transection, hyper-phosphorylation of Tau and acetylated tubulin immunoreactivity were increased, and Nogo-A immunoreactivity was decreased, indicating that axonal changes occurred acutely. All combinations of ion channel inhibitors reduced hyper-phosphorylation of Tau and increased Nogo-A immunoreactivity at day 3 after injury. However, only Lom/oxATP or all three inhibitors in combination significantly reduced acetylated tubulin immunoreactivity. Most combinations of ion channel inhibitors were effective in restoring the lengths of the paranode and the paranodal gap, indicative of the length of the node of Ranvier, following injury. However, only all three inhibitors in combination restored to normal Ankyrin G length at the node of Ranvier. Similarly, HNE immunoreactivity and loss of oligodendrocyte precursor cells were only limited by treatment with all three ion channel inhibitors in combination. Conclusions: Data indicate that inhibiting any of a range of ion channels preserves certain elements of axon and node structure and limits some oxidative damage following injury, whereas ionic flux through all three channels must be inhibited to prevent lipid peroxidation and preserve Ankyrin G distribution and OPCs.

Negative outcomes of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) can be exacerbated by repeated insult. Animal models of repeated closed-head mTBI provide the opportunity to define acute pathological mechanisms as the number of mTBI increases. Furthermore, little is known about the effects of mTBI impact site, and how this may affect brain function. We use a closed head, weight drop model of mTBI that allows head movement following impact, in adult female rats to determine the role of the number and location of mTBI on brain pathology and behaviour. Biomechanical assessment of two anatomically well-defined mTBI impact sites were used, anterior (bregma) and posterior (lambda). Location of the impact had no significant effect on impact forces (450 N), and the weight impact locations were on average 5.4 mm from the desired impact site. No between location vertical linear head kinematic differences were observed immediately following impact, however, in the 300 ms post-impact, significantly higher mean vertical head displacement and velocity were observed in the mTBI lambda trials. Breaches of the blood brain barrier were observed with three mTBI over bregma, associated with immunohistochemical indicators of damage. However, an increased incidence of hairline fractures of the skull and macroscopic haemorrhaging made bregma an unsuitable impact location to model repeated mTBI. Repeated mTBI over lambda did not cause skull fractures and were examined more comprehensively, with outcomes following one, two or three mTBI or sham, delivered at 1 day intervals, assessed on days 1-4. We observe a mild behavioural phenotype, with subtle deficits in cognitive function, associated with no identifiable neuroanatomical or inflammatory changes. However, an increase in lipid peroxidation in a subset of cortical neurons following two mTBI indicates increasing oxidative damage with repeated injury in female rats, supported by increased amyloid precursor protein immunoreactivity with three mTBI. This study of acute events following closed head mTBI identifies lipid peroxidation in neurons at the same time as cognitive deficits. Our study adds to existing literature, providing biomechanics data and demonstrating mild cognitive disturbances associated with diffuse injury, predominantly to grey matter, acutely following repeated mTBI.

Injury to the central nervous system is exacerbated by secondary degeneration. Previous research has shown that a combination of orally and locally administered ion channel inhibitors following partial optic nerve injury protects the myelin sheath and preserves function in the ventral optic nerve, vulnerable to secondary degeneration. However, local administration is often not clinically appropriate. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of systemic and local delivery of the ion channel inhibitor combination of lomerizine, brilliant blue G (BBG) and YM872, which inhibits voltage-gated calcium channels, P2X7 receptors and Ca2+ permeable α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors respectively. Following a partial optic nerve transection, adult female PVG rats were treated with BBG and YM872 delivered via osmotic mini pump directly to the injury site, or via intraperitoneal injection, both alongside oral administration of lomerizine. Myelin structure was preserved with both delivery modes of the ion channel inhibitor combination. However, there was no effect of treatment on inflammation, either peripherally or at the injury site, or on the density of oligodendroglial cells. Taken together, the data indicate that even at lower concentrations, the combinatorial treatment may be preserving myelin structure, and that systemic and local delivery are comparable at improving outcomes following neurotrauma.

Injury to the central nervous system is characterized by damage that spreads from the initial point of impact into the surrounding adjacent tissue, in a phenomenon referred to as secondary degeneration. The optic nerve can be used to effectively model injury and secondary degeneration to white matter tracts. Partial transection of the dorsal aspect of the nerve leaves the ventral aspect initially undamaged but vulnerable to secondary degeneration, allowing study of tissue exclusively vulnerable to secondary degeneration. Thus the partial optic nerve transection model of secondary degeneration is a valuable tool to study the pathology of spreading damage following neurotrauma and can be used to assess potential efficacy of therapeutic strategies.

Before using nanoparticles for therapeutic applications, it is necessary to comprehensively investigate nanoparticle effects, both in vitro and in vivo. In the associated research article [1] we generate multimodal polymeric nanoparticles functionalized with an antibody, that are designed to deliver an anti-oxidant to astrocytes. Here we provide additional data demonstrating the effects of the nanoparticle preparations on an indicator of oxidative stress in an immortalized Müller cell line in vitro. We provide data demonstrating the use of nanoscale secondary ion mass spectroscopy (NanoSIMS) to identify specific ions in bulk dried NP. NanoSIMS is also used to visualize 40Ca microdomains in the z dimension of optic nerve that has been subjected to a partial optic nerve transection. The associated article [1] describes the use of NanoSIMS to quantify 40Ca microdomains in optic nerve from animals treated with various nanoparticle preparations and provides further interpretation and discussion of the findings.

Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) has been shown to feature oxidative damage, which can be modelled using the cuprizone model of demyelinating disease. Oxidative damage can occur as a result of excessive influx of calcium ions (Ca2+) and oligodendroglia are particularly vulnerable. However, the effects of limiting excess Ca2+ influx on oxidative damage, oligodendroglia and myelin structure are unknown. Objective This study investigated the effects of limiting excess Ca2+ flux on oxidative damage and associated changes in oligodendroglial densities and Node of Ranvier structure in the cuprizone model. Methods The effects of three weeks of cuprizone administration and of treatment with a combination of three ion channel inhibitors (Lomerizine, Brilliant Blue G (BBG) and YM872), were semi-quantified immunohistochemically. Outcomes assessed were protein nitration (3-nitrotyrosine (3NT)) oxidative damage to DNA (8-hydroxy deoxyguanosine (8OHDG)), advanced glycation end-products (carboxymethyl lysine (CML)), immunoreactivity of microglia (Iba1) and astrocytes (glial acidic fibrillary protein (GFAP)), densities of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) (platelet derived growth factor alpha receptor (PDGFαR) with olig2) and oligodendrocytes (olig2 and CC1), and structural elements of the Node of Ranvier (contactin associated protein (Caspr)). Results The administration of cuprizone resulted in increased protein nitration, DNA damage, and astrocyte and microglial immunoreactivity, a decrease in the density of oligodendrocytes and OPCs, together with altered structure of the Node of Ranvier and reduced myelin basic protein immunoreactivity. Treatment with the ion channel inhibitor combination significantly lowered protein nitration, increased the density of OPCs and reduced the number of atypical Node of Ranvier complexes; other outcomes were unaffected. Conclusion Our findings suggest that excess Ca2+ influx contributes to protein nitration, and associated changes to OPC densities and Node of Ranvier structure in demyelinating disease.

Loss of function following injury to the CNS is worsened by secondary degeneration of neurons and glia surrounding the injury and is initiated by oxidative damage. However, it is not yet known which cellular populations and structures are most vulnerable to oxidative damage in vivo. Using Nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS), oxidative damage was semiquantified within cellular subpopulations and structures of optic nerve vulnerable to secondary degeneration, following a partial transection of the optic nerve in adult female PVG rats. Simultaneous assessment of cellular subpopulations and structures revealed oligodendroglia as the most vulnerable to DNA oxidation following injury. 5-Ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) was used to label cells that proliferated in the first 3 d after injury. Injury led to increases in DNA, protein, and lipid damage in oligodendrocyte progenitor cells and mature oligodendrocytes at 3 d, regardless of proliferative state, associated with a decline in the numbers of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells at 7 d. O4(+) preoligodendrocytes also exhibited increased lipid peroxidation. Interestingly, EdU(+) mature oligodendrocytes derived after injury demonstrated increased early susceptibility to DNA damage and lipid peroxidation. However, EdU(−) mature oligodendrocytes with high 8-hydroxyguanosine immunoreactivity were more likely to be caspase3(+). By day 28, newly derived mature oligodendrocytes had significantly reduced myelin regulatory factor gene mRNA, indicating that the myelination potential of these cells may be reduced. The proportion of caspase3(+) oligodendrocytes remained higher in EdU(−) cells. Innovative use of NanoSIMS together with traditional immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization have enabled the first demonstration of subpopulation specific oligodendroglial vulnerability to oxidative damage, due to secondary degeneration in vivo. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Injury to the CNS is characterized by oxidative damage in areas adjacent to the injury. However, the cellular subpopulations and structures most vulnerable to this damage remain to be elucidated. Here we use powerful NanoSIMS techniques to show increased oxidative damage in oligodendroglia and axons and to demonstrate that cells early in the oligodendroglial lineage are the most vulnerable to DNA oxidation. Further immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization investigation reveals that mature oligodendrocytes derived after injury are more vulnerable to oxidative damage than their counterparts existing at the time of injury and have reduced myelin regulatory factor gene mRNA, yet preexisting oligodendrocytes are more likely to die.

Following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), the ionic homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS) becomes imbalanced. Excess Ca2+ influx into cells triggers molecular cascades, which result in detrimental effects. The authors assessed the effects of a combination of ion channel inhibitors (ICI) following repeated mTBI (rmTBI). Adult female rats were subjected to two rmTBI weight-drop injuries 24 h apart, sham procedures (sham), or no procedures (normal). Lomerizine, which inhibits voltage-gated calcium channels, was administered orally twice daily, whereas YM872 and Brilliant Blue G, inhibiting &alpha, amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) and P2X7 receptors, respectively, were delivered intraperitoneally every 48 h post-injury. Vehicle treatment controls were included for rmTBI, sham, and normal groups. At 11 days following rmTBI, there was a significant increase in the time taken to cross the 3 cm beam, as a sub-analysis of neurological severity score (NSS) assessments, compared with the normal control (p &lt, 0.05), and a significant decrease in learning-associated improvement in rmTBI in Morris water maze (MWM) trials relative to the sham (p &lt, 0.05). ICI-treated rmTBI animals were not different to sham, normal controls, or rmTBI treated with vehicle in all neurological severity score and Morris water maze assessments (p &gt, 0.05). rmTBI resulted in increases in microglial cell density, antioxidant responses (manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) immunoreactivity), and alterations to node of Ranvier structure. ICI treatment decreased microglial density, MnSOD immunoreactivity, and abnormalities of the node of Ranvier compared with vehicle controls (p &lt, 0.01). The authors&rsquo, findings demonstrate the beneficial effects of the combinatorial ICI treatment on day 11 post-rmTBI, suggesting an attractive therapeutic strategy against the damage induced by excess Ca2+ following rmTBI.

Following injury to the central nervous system, axons and myelin distinct from the initial injury site undergo changes associated with compromised function. Quantifying such changes is important to understanding the pathophysiology of neurotrauma; however, most studies to date used 2 dimensional (D) electron microscopy to analyse single sections, thereby failing to capture changes along individual axons. We used serial block face scanning electron microscopy (SBF SEM) to undertake 3D reconstruction of axons and myelin, analysing optic nerves from normal uninjured female rats and following partial optic nerve transection. Measures of axon and myelin dimensions were generated by examining 2D images at 5 µm intervals along the 100 µm segments. In both normal and injured animals, changes in axonal diameter, myelin thickness, fiber diameter, G-ratio and percentage myelin decompaction were apparent along the lengths of axons to varying degrees. The range of values for axon diameter along individual reconstructed axons in 3D was similar to the range from 2D datasets, encompassing reported variation in axonal diameter attributed to retinal ganglion cell diversity. 3D electron microscopy analyses have provided the means to demonstrate substantial variability in ultrastructure along the length of individual axons and to improve understanding of the pathophysiology of neurotrauma.

Background Partial transection (PT) of the optic nerve is an established experimental model of secondary degeneration in the central nervous system. After a dorsal transection, retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) with axons in ventral optic nerve are intact but vulnerable to secondary degeneration, whereas RGCs in dorsal retina with dorsal axons are affected by primary and secondary injuries. Using microarray, we quantified gene expression changes in dorsal and ventral retina at 1 and 7 days post PT, to characterize pathogenic pathways linked to primary and secondary degeneration. Results In comparison to uninjured retina Cryba1, Cryba2 and Crygs, were significantly downregulated in injured dorsal retina at days 1 and 7. While Ecel1, Timp1, Mt2A and CD74, which are associated with reducing excitotoxicity, oxidative stress and inflammation, were significantly upregulated. Genes associated with oxygen binding pathways, immune responses, cytokine receptor activity and apoptosis were enriched in dorsal retina at day 1 after PT. Oxygen binding and apoptosis remained enriched at day 7, as were pathways involved in extracellular matrix modification. Fewer changes were observed in ventral retina at day 1 after PT, most associated with the regulation of protein homodimerization activity. By day 7, apoptosis, matrix organization and signal transduction pathways were enriched. Discriminant analysis was also performed for specific functional gene groups to compare expression intensities at each time point. Altered expression of selected genes (ATF3, GFAP, Ecel1, TIMP1, Tp53) and proteins (GFAP, ECEL1 and ATF3) were semi-quantitatively assessed by qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry respectively. Conclusion There was an acute and complex primary injury response in dorsal retina indicative of a dynamic interaction between neuroprotective and neurodegenerative events; ventral retina vulnerable to secondary degeneration showed a delayed injury response. Both primary and secondary injury resulted in the upregulation of numerous genes linked to RGC death, but differences in the nature of these changes strongly suggest that death occurred via different molecular mechanisms.

Glutamate excitotoxicity contributes to damage following injury to the central nervous system via mechanisms including changes in the expression of receptors, calcium overload, oxidative stress and cell death. Excitotoxicity is triggered by glutamate binding to receptors, including calcium permeable AMPA receptors, which can be upregulated under injury conditions. However, the transcriptional response of AMPA receptor regulatory proteins to excitotoxic conditions is unknown. Here, we use real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), to determine the effect of prolonged glutamate excitotoxicity on the expression of mRNA encoding for GluR1 and AMPA receptor regulatory proteins in dissociated rat retinal cultures that include neuronal (retinal ganglion cell (RGCs)) and glial (Müller) cell populations. mRNA levels of GluR1 and regulators of the GluR1 subunit of AMPA receptors, including Sap97, Cnih2 and Cnih3, decreased following 6, 24 and 48 h incubation with 5 mM glutamate: related regulators not associated with GluR1 were unaffected. In contrast, GluR1 protein, assessed immunohistochemically, was increased in both RGCs and Müller cells after 24 h glutamate exposure: western blotting analysis was inconclusive. Reductions in mRNA of GluR1 and associated regulators occurred prior to cell death, which was first detected at 24 h, and substantial by 48 h. Exposure to glutamate acutely increased the intracellular calcium concentration in the cultures and by 24 h, reactive oxygen species were increased. Our data suggest a negative feedback mechanism in retinal cells, that down-regulates transcription of genes encoding GluR1 regulatory proteins in response to glutamate exposure. Despite this mechanism, GluR1 protein levels remain increased, and are associated with increased reactive species and cell death. Therapeutic strategies targeting calcium permeable AMPA receptors should take into account that increases in GluR1 protein are not necessarily associated with increases in associated mRNA levels over time.

Combinations of Ca

Background Red/near-infrared light therapy (R/NIR-LT) has been developed as a treatment for a range of conditions, including injury to the central nervous system (CNS). However, clinical trials have reported variable or sub-optimal outcomes, possibly because there are few optimized treatment protocols for the different target tissues. Moreover, the low absolute, and wavelength dependent, transmission of light by tissues overlying the target site make accurate dosing problematic. Results In order to optimize light therapy treatment parameters, we adapted a mouse spinal cord organotypic culture model to the rat, and characterized myelination and oxidative stress following a partial transection injury. The ex vivo model allows a more accurate assessment of the relative effect of different illumination wavelengths (adjusted for equal quantal intensity) on the target tissue. Using this model, we assessed oxidative stress following treatment with four different wavelengths of light: 450 nm (blue); 510 nm (green); 660 nm (red) or 860 nm (infrared) at three different intensities: 1.93 × 1016 (low); 3.85 × 1016 (intermediate) and 7.70 × 1016 (high) photons/cm2/s. We demonstrate that the most effective of the tested wavelengths to reduce immunoreactivity of the oxidative stress indicator 3-nitrotyrosine (3NT) was 660 nm. 860 nm also provided beneficial effects at all tested intensities, significantly reducing oxidative stress levels relative to control (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusions Our results indicate that R/NIR-LT is an effective antioxidant therapy, and indicate that effective wavelengths and ranges of intensities of treatment can be adapted for a variety of CNS injuries and conditions, depending upon the transmission properties of the tissue to be treated.

CNS injury is often localized but can be followed by more widespread secondary degenerative events that usually result in greater functional loss. Using a partial transection model in rat optic nerve (ON). we recently demonstrated in vivo increases in the oxidative stress-associated enzyme MnSOD 5 min after injury. However, mechanisms by which early oxidative stress spreads remain unclear. In the present study, we assessed ion distributions, additional oxidative stress indicators, and ion channel immunoreactivity in ON in the first 24 hr after partial transection. Using nanoscale secondary ion mass spectroscopy (NanoSIMS), we demonstrate changes in the distribution pattern of Ca ions following partial ON transection. Regions of elevated Ca ions in normal ON in vivo rapidly decrease following partial ON transection, but there is an increasingly punctate distribution at 5 min and 24 hr after injury. We also show rapid decreases in catalase activity and later increases in immunoreactivity of the advanced glycation end product carboxymethyl lysine in astrocytes. Increased oxidative stress in astrocytes is accompanied by significantly increased immunoreactivity of the AMPA receptor subunit GluR1 and aquaporin 4 (AQP4). Taken together, the results indicate that Ca ion changes and oxidative stress are early events following partial ON injury that are associated with changes in GluR1 AMPA receptor subunits and altered ionic balance resulting from increased AQP4.

Secondary degeneration is a serious consequence of traumatic injury to the central nervous system (CNS) and involves the progressive loss of neurons and function. However, while disruption to myelin has been observed in spared axons, the ultrastructural abnormalities that occur in myelin and axons spatially separated from the primary injury and susceptible exclusively to secondary degeneration are unknown. We used a model of secondary degeneration in which the dorsal aspect of rat optic nerve (ON) was transected leaving the central/ventral ON undamaged, but vulnerable to secondary degeneration. Transmission electron microscopy of the central/ventral ON at 1 and 3 months was used to quantify secondary changes in axon diameter, myelin sheath thickness and morphology, compared to normal animals. Three months after partial ON transection, cross-sectional nerve area at the injury site was increased (p ≤ 0.05), and changes in axons and myelin sheaths were detected in the central/ventral ON. Although myelin sheath thickness remained normal at both time points, average axon diameter significantly increased at 3 months. The density of the total axon population was decreased by 1 month, reflecting loss of retinal ganglion cells as previously published, with a decrease in the density of normally-myelinated axons, but an increase in unmyelinated axon density (p ≤ 0.05). Myelin basic protein immunoreactivity and fluoromyelin staining were also significantly reduced. Within four subpopulations of abnormally-myelinated axons, there was: no change in lightly-myelinated axons; an increase in axons with excessive myelination (at 1 month); and an increase in the density of axons with partial and fully-decompacted myelin (at 3 months, p ≤ 0.05). Chronic axon swelling and myelin sheath compaction defects are features of secondary degeneration, and may contribute to the reported loss of ON function following partial transection.

RADA16 self-assembling peptide nanofiber scaffolds (SAPNSs) have been shown to have positive effects on neural regeneration following injury to the central nervous system in vivo, but mechanisms are unclear. Here we show that RADA16 SAPNSs form scaffolds of increasing fiber density with increasing peptide concentration which in turn has a concentration-dependent effect on neurons and astrocytes in mixed retinal cultures. Importantly, we report that the final nanoscale fiber architecture is an important factor to consider in designing scaffolds to promote regeneration in the central nervous system.

Secondary degeneration is a process encompassing damage adjacent to a primary injury, usually involving increased Ca(2+) influx into neurons and glia. Lomerizine dihydrochloride is a calcium channel blocker with relatively selective CNS effects, currently in clinical trials for glaucoma. We have recently demonstrated that, following partial transection of the optic nerve (ON), 1 month of lomerizine treatment protects retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), incompletely preserves visual function and also limits elements of secondary degeneration, including macrophage infiltration. However, under some circumstances macrophages have been shown to have different supportive effects on RGC protection and regeneration, casting doubt on the benefit of longer term therapies that reduce macrophage numbers. Here, we determined whether shorter treatment times (1 day or 1 week) result in improved effects on RGC survival and visual function, and whether benefits are maintained after cessation of treatment. We demonstrate that 1 month of lomerizine is the minimum period required to restore the fast reset phase of the optokinetic nystagmus and maintain it for a further 2 months after cessation of treatment (p>0.05, not different from normal). While 1 week of lomerizine treatment results in temporary recovery of numbers of fast reset phases, the recovery is not maintained after treatment cessation. Similarly, protection of RGC densities requires 1 month of lomerizine treatment, but protection is not maintained after treatment cessation. Importantly, none of the lomerizine treatment protocols resulted in full restoration of visual function, confirming the necessity of combining lomerizine with other treatment modalities.

Secondary degeneration is a form of ‘bystander’ damage that can affect neural tissue both nearby and remote from an initial injury. Partial optic nerve transection is an excellent model in which to unequivocally differentiate events occurring during secondary degeneration from those resulting from primary CNS injury. We analysed the primary injury site within the optic nerve (ON) and intact areas vulnerable to secondary degeneration. Areas affected by the primary injury showed morphological disruption, loss of β-III tubulin axonal staining, reduced myelinated axon density, greater proteoglycan expression (phosphacan), increased microglia and macrophage numbers and increased oxidative stress. Similar, but less extreme, changes were seen in areas of the optic nerve undergoing secondary degeneration. The CNS-specific L- and T-type calcium channel blocker lomerizine alleviated some of the changes in areas vulnerable to secondary degeneration. Lomerizine reduced morphological disruption, oxidative stress and phosphacan expression, and limited early increases in macrophage numbers. However, lomerizine failed to prevent progressive de-myelination of ON axons. Within the retina, secondary retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death was significant in areas vulnerable to secondary degeneration. Lomerizine protected RGCs from secondary death at 4 weeks but did not fully restore behavioural function (optokinetic nystagmus). We conclude that blockade of calcium channels is neuroprotective and limits secondary degenerative changes following CNS injury. However such an approach may need to be combined with other treatments to ensure long-term maintenance of full visual function.

A number of intracellular proteins that are protective after brain injury are classically thought to exert their effect within the expressing cell. The astrocytic metallothioneins (MT) are one example and are thought to act via intracellular free radical scavenging and heavy metal regulation, and in particular zinc. Indeed, we have previously established that astrocytic MTs are required for successful brain healing. Here we provide evidence for a fundamentally different mode of action relying upon intercellular transfer from astrocytes to neurons, which in turn leads to uptake-dependent axonal regeneration. First, we show that MT can be detected within the extracellular fluid of the injured brain, and that cultured astrocytes are capable of actively secreting MT in a regulatable manner. Second, we identify a receptor, megalin, that mediates MT transport into neurons. Third, we directly demonstrate for the first time the transfer of MT from astrocytes to neurons over a specific time course in vitro. Finally, we show that MT is rapidly internalized via the cell bodies of retinal ganglion cells in vivo and is a powerful promoter of axonal regeneration through the inhibitory environment of the completely severed mature optic nerve. Our work suggests that the protective functions of MT in the central nervous system should be widened from a purely astrocytic focus to include extracellular and intra-neuronal roles. This unsuspected action of MT represents a novel paradigm of astrocyte-neuronal interaction after injury and may have implications for the development of MT-based therapeutic agents.

During development, gradients of EphA receptors (nasal(low)-temporal(high)) and their ligands ephrin-As (rostral(low)-caudal(high)) are involved in establishing topography between retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and the superior colliculus (SC). EphA5-expressing RGC axons are repulsed by ephrin-A2-expressing SC neurones. In adult rats RGCs maintain graded EphA5 expression but ephrin-A2 expression is down-regulated in the SC to a weak gradient. At 1 month after optic nerve transection, EphA5 expression is reduced in the few remaining RGCs and is no longer graded; by contrast, SC ephrin-A2 is up-regulated to a rostral(low)-caudal(high) gradient. Here we examined expression in adult rat 1 month after bridging the retina and SC with a peripheral nerve graft, a procedure that enhances RGC survival and permits RGC axon regeneration. Double labelling with cell markers revealed preservation of a nasal(low)-temporal(high) EphA5 gradient in RGCs and establishment of a rostral(low)-caudal(high) ephrin-A2 gradient within neurones of the SC. The results suggest a potential for guidance cues to restore the topography of RGC axons in the SC. However, high ephrin-A2 levels were also found in astrocytes surrounding the peripheral nerve graft insertion site. The repulsive ephrin-A2 environment offers at least a partial explanation for the observation that only a limited number of RGC axons can exit the graft to enter target central nervous system tissue.

Following neurotrauma, oxidative stress is spread via the astrocytic syncytium and is associated with increased aquaporin 4 (AQP4), inflammatory cell infiltration, loss of neurons and glia and functional deficits. Herein we evaluate multimodal polymeric nanoparticles functionalized with an antibody to an extracellular epitope of AQP4, for targeted delivery of an anti-oxidant as a therapeutic strategy following partial optic nerve transection. Using fluorescence microscopy, spectrophotometry, correlative nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS) and transmission electron microscopy, in vitro and in vivo, we demonstrate that functionalized nanoparticles are coated with serum proteins such as albumin and enter both macrophages and astrocytes when administered to the site of a partial optic nerve transection in rat. Antibody functionalized nanoparticles synthesized to deliver the antioxidant resveratrol are effective in reducing oxidative damage to DNA, AQP4 immunoreactivity and preserving visual function. Non-functionalized nanoparticles evade macrophages more effectively and are found more diffusely, including in astrocytes, however they do not preserve the optic nerve from oxidative damage or functional loss following injury. Our study highlights the need to comprehensively investigate nanoparticle location, interactions and effects, both in vitro and in vivo, in order to fully understand functional outcomes.

A novel allograft paradigm was used to test whether adult mammalian central axons regenerate within a peripheral nerve environment containing intact sensory axons. Retinal ganglion cell axon regeneration was compared following anastomosis of dorsal root ganglia grafts or conventional peripheral nerve grafts to the adult rat optic nerve. Dorsal root ganglia grafts comprised intact sensory and degenerate motor axons, whereas conventional grafts comprised both degenerating sensory and motor axons. Retinal ganglion cell axons were traced after 2 months. Dorsal root ganglia survived with their axons persisting throughout the graft. Comparable numbers of retinal ganglion cells regenerated axons into both dorsal root ganglia (1053 ± 223) and conventional grafts (1323 ± 881; P > 0.05). The results indicate that an intact sensory environment supports central axon regeneration.

Eph tyrosine kinase receptors and their ligands, the ephrins, play a key role in the establishment of retinotectal topography during development. Tectal up-regulation of ephrin-A2 in goldfish, coincident with the reestablishment of a retinotectal map, suggests a similar role during optic nerve regeneration. Here we report a complementary study of EphA3, EphA5 and ephrin-A2 expression in the retina. EphA3 and EphA5 are transiently up-regulated as ascending naso-temporal gradients, whereas ephrin-A2 remains uniform. The expression profiles differ from those in developing chick and mouse, suggesting that different combinations of retinal Eph receptors and ligands can generate topographic guidance information.

The addition of polysialic acid (PSA) to neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) facilitates axon growth. Here we use Western blots and immunohistochemistry to examine expression of PSA-NCAM during optic nerve regeneration. In lizard, retinal ganglion cell axons become transiently PSA-NCAM positive. By contrast, goldfish RGC axons are PSA-NCAM negative both in normal animals and throughout regeneration with the exception of a PSA-NCAM-positive fascicle arising from newly generated RGCs. Transient sialylation of NCAM in lizard may assist regeneration in the nonpermissive reptilian visual pathway and facilitate the reestablishment of a crude topographic map; down-regulation in the long term may contribute to the breakdown in topography. The lack of sialylation in goldfish presumably reflects the permissive nature of the substrate allowing axon regeneration and the successful reestablishment of a topographic map.

Studies have shown that a combined application of several ion channel inhibitors immediately after central nervous system injury can inhibit secondary degeneration. However, for clinical use, it is necessary to determine how long after injury the combined treatment of several ion channel inhibitors can be delayed and efficacy maintained. In this study, we delivered Ca2+ entry-inhibiting P2X7 receptor antagonist oxidized-ATP and AMPA receptor antagonist YM872 to the optic nerve injury site via an iPRECIO@ pump immediately, 6 hours, 24 hours and 7 days after partial optic nerve transection surgery. In addition, all of the ion channel inhibitor treated rats were administered with calcium channel antagonist lomerizine hydrochloride. It is important to note that as a result of implantation of the particular pumps required for programmable delivery of therapeutics directly to the injury site, seromas occurred in a significant proportion of animals, indicating infection around the pumps in these animals. Improvements in visual function were observed only when treatment was delayed by 6 hours; phosphorylated Tau was reduced when treatment was delayed by 24 hours or 7 days. Improvements in structure of node/paranode of Ranvier and reductions in oxidative stress indicators were also only observed when treatment was delayed for 6 hours, 24 hours, or 7 days. Benefits of ion channel inhibitors were only observed with time-delayed treatment, suggesting that delayed therapy of Ca2+ ion channel inhibitors produces better neuroprotective effects on secondary degeneration, at least in the presence of seromas.

Low intensity repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (LI-rTMS), a non-invasive form of brain stimulation, has been shown to induce structural and functional brain plasticity, including short distance axonal sprouting. However, the potential for LI-rTMS to promote axonal regeneration following neurotrauma has not been investigated. This study examined the effect of LI-rTMS on retinal ganglion cell (RGC) survival, axon regeneration and levels of BDNF in an optic nerve crush neurotrauma model. Adult C57Bl/6J mice received a unilateral intraorbital optic nerve crush. Mice received 10 minutes of sham (handling control without stimulation) (n=6) or LI-rTMS (n = 8) daily stimulation for 14 days to the operated eye. Immunohistochemistry was used to assess RGC survival (β-3 Tubulin) and axon regeneration across the injury (GAP43). Additionally, BDNF expression was quantified in a separate cohort by ELISA in the retina and optic nerve of injured (optic nerve crush) (sham n = 5, LI-rTMS n = 5) and non-injured mice (sham n = 5, LI-rTMS n = 5) that received daily stimulation as above for 7 days. Following 14 days of LI-rTMS there was no significant difference in mean RGC survival between sham and treated animals (p>0.05). Also, neither sham nor LI-rTMS animals showed GAP43 positive labelling in the optic nerve, indicating that regeneration did not occur. At 1 week, there was no significant difference in BDNF levels in the retina or optic nerves between sham and LI-rTMS in injured or non-injured mice (p>0.05). Although LI-rTMS has been shown to induce structural and molecular plasticity in the visual system and cerebellum, our results suggest LI-rTMS does not induce neuroprotection or regeneration following a complete optic nerve crush. These results help define the therapeutic capacity and limitations of LI-rTMS in the treatment of neurotrauma.

Red/near-infrared irradiation therapy (R/NIR-IT) delivered by laser or light-emitting diode (LED) has improved functional outcomes in a range of CNS injuries. However, translation of R/NIR-IT to the clinic for treatment of neurotrauma has been hampered by lack of comparative information regarding the degree of penetration of the delivered irradiation to the injury site and the optimal treatment parameters for different CNS injuries. We compared the treatment efficacy of R/NIR-IT at 670 nm and 830 nm, provided by narrow-band LED arrays adjusted to produce equal irradiance, in four in vivo rat models of CNS injury: partial optic nerve transection, light-induced retinal degeneration, traumatic brain injury (TBI) and spinal cord injury (SCI). The number of photons of 670 nm or 830 nm light reaching the SCI injury site was 6.6% and 11.3% of emitted light respectively. Treatment of rats with 670 nm R/NIR-IT following partial optic nerve transection significantly increased the number of visual responses at 7 days after injury (P ≤ 0.05); 830 nm R/NIR-IT was partially effective. 670 nm R/NIR-IT also significantly reduced reactive species and both 670 nm and 830 nm R/NIR-IT reduced hydroxynonenal immunoreactivity (P ≤ 0.05) in this model. Pre-treatment of light-induced retinal degeneration with 670 nm R/NIR-IT significantly reduced the number of Tunel+ cells and 8-hydroxyguanosine immunoreactivity (P ≤ 0.05); outcomes in 830 nm R/NIR-IT treated animals were not significantly different to controls. Treatment of fluid-percussion TBI with 670 nm or 830 nm R/NIR-IT did not result in improvements in motor or sensory function or lesion size at 7 days (P>0.05). Similarly, treatment of contusive SCI with 670 nm or 830 nm R/NIR-IT did not result in significant improvements in functional recovery or reduced cyst size at 28 days (P>0.05). Outcomes from this comparative study indicate that it will be necessary to optimise delivery devices, wavelength, intensity and duration of R/NIR-IT individually for different CNS injury types.

Secondary degeneration contributes substantially to structural and functional deficits following traumatic injury to the CNS. While it has been proposed that oxidative stress is a feature of secondary degeneration, contributing reactive species and resultant oxidized products have not been clearly identified in vivo. The study is designed to identify contributors to, and consequences of, oxidative stress in a white matter tract vulnerable to secondary degeneration. Partial dorsal transection of the optic nerve (ON) was used to model secondary degeneration in ventral nerve unaffected by the primary injury. Reactive species were assessed using fluorescent labelling and liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectroscopy (LC/MS/MS). Antioxidant enzymes and oxidized products were semi-quantified immunohistochemically. Mitophagy was assessed by electron microscopy. Fluorescent indicators of reactive oxygen and/or nitrogen species increased at 1, 3 and 7days after injury, in ventral ON. LC/MS/MS confirmed increases in reactive species linked to infiltrating microglia/macrophages in dorsal ON. Similarly, immunoreactivity for glutathione peroxidase and haem oxygenase-1 increased in ventral ON at 3 and 7days after injury, respectively. Despite increased antioxidant immunoreactivity, DNA oxidation was evident from 1day, lipid oxidation at 3days, and protein nitration at 7days after injury. Nitrosative and oxidative damage was particularly evident in CC1-positive oligodendrocytes, at times after injury at which structural abnormalities of the Node of Ranvier/paranode complex have been reported. The incidence of mitochondrial autophagic profiles was also significantly increased from 3days. Despite modest increases in antioxidant enzymes, increased reactive species are accompanied by oxidative and nitrosative damage to DNA, lipid and protein, associated with increasing abnormal mitochondria, which together may contribute to the deficits of secondary degeneration.

Rapid changes in Ca(2+) concentration and location in response to injury play key roles in a range of biological systems. However, quantitative analysis of changes in size and distribution of Ca(2+) microdomains in specific cell types in whole tissue samples has been limited by analytical resolution and reliance on indirect Ca(2+) indicator systems. Here, we combine the unique advantages of nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS) with immunohistochemistry to directly quantify changes in number, size and intensity of Ca microdomains specific to axonal or glial regions vulnerable to spreading damage following neurotrauma. Furthermore, using NanoSIMS allows separate quantification of Ca microdomains according to their co-localization with areas enriched in P. We rapidly excise and cryopreserve optic nerve segments from adult rat at time points ranging from 5 minutes to 3 months after injury, allowing assessment of Ca microdomains dynamics with minimal disruption due to tissue processing. We demonstrate significantly more non-P co-localized Ca microdomains in glial than axonal regions in normal optic nerve. The density of Ca microdomains not co-localized with areas enriched in P rapidly, selectively and significantly decreases after injury; densities of Ca microdomains co-localized with P enriched areas are unchanged. An efflux of Ca(2+) from microdomains not co-localized with P may contribute to the structural and functional deficits observed in nerve vulnerable to spreading damage following neurotrauma. NanoSIMS analyses of Ca microdomains allow quantitative and novel insights into Ca dynamics, applicable to a range of normal, as well as diseased or injured mammalian systems.

During development, a graded expression of ephrin A2 has been implicated in retinotectal map formation. Here we have examined ephrin A2 expression during optic nerve regeneration in the mature goldfish. In the tecta of normal animals, a gradient of ephrin A2 expression is detected in cell bodies within the stratum fibrosum et griseum superficiale with more immunopositive cells caudally than rostrally. The gradient in the mature animal presumably reflects the plasticity associated with continued retinal and tectal neurogenesis. During optic nerve regeneration, expression throughout the tectum is increased by 1 month as a strong rostrocaudal gradient. The gradient declines to normal by 3 months. The up-regulation of ephrin A2 during optic nerve regeneration is likely to be instrumental in reestablishing the retinotectal map.

Following neurotrauma, cells beyond the initial trauma site undergo secondary degeneration, with excess Ca2+ a likely trigger for loss of neurons, compact myelin and function. Treatment using inhibitors of specific Ca2+ channels has shown promise in preclinical studies, but clinical trials have been disappointing and combinatorial approaches are needed. We assessed efficacy of multiple combinations of three Ca2+ channel inhibitors at reducing secondary degeneration following partial optic nerve transection in rat. We used lomerizine to inhibit voltage gated Ca2+ channels; oxidised adenosine-triphosphate (oxATP) to inhibit purinergic P2X7 receptors and/or 2-[7-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)-6-nitro-2,3-dioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro quinoxalin-1-yl]acetic acid (INQ) to inhibit Ca2+ permeable α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors. Only the three Ca2+ channel inhibitors delivered in combination significantly preserved visual function, as assessed using the optokinetic nystagmus visual reflex, at 3 months after injury. Preservation of retinal ganglion cells was partial and is unlikely to have accounted for differential effects on function. A range of the Ca2+ channel inhibitor combinations prevented swelling of optic nerve vulnerable to secondary degeneration. Each of the treatments involving lomerizine significantly increased the proportion of axons with normal compact myelin. Nevertheless, limiting decompaction of myelin was not sufficient for preservation of function in our model. Multiple combinations of Ca2+ channel inhibitors reduced formation of atypical node/paranode complexes; outcomes were not associated with preservation of visual function. However, prevention of lengthening of the paranodal gap that was only achieved by treatment with the three Ca2+ channel inhibitors in combination was an important additional effect that likely contributed to the associated preservation of the optokinetic reflex using this combinatorial treatment strategy.

Secondary degeneration of nerve tissue adjacent to a traumatic injury results in further loss of neurons, glia and function, via mechanisms that may involve oxidative stress. However, changes in indicators of oxidative stress have not yet been demonstrated in oligodendrocytes vulnerable to secondary degeneration in vivo. We show increases in the oxidative stress indicator carboxymethyl lysine at days 1 and 3 after injury in oligodendrocytes vulnerable to secondary degeneration. Dihydroethidium staining for superoxide is reduced, indicating endogenous control of this particular reactive species after injury. Concurrently, node of Ranvier/paranode complexes are altered, with significant lengthening of the paranodal gap and paranode as well as paranode disorganisation. Therapeutic administration of 670 nm light is thought to improve oxidative metabolism via mechanisms that may include increased activity of cytochrome c oxidase. Here, we show that light at 670 nm, delivered for 30 minutes per day, results in in vivo increases in cytochrome c oxidase activity co-localised with oligodendrocytes. Short term (1 day) 670 nm light treatment is associated with reductions in reactive species at the injury site. In optic nerve vulnerable to secondary degeneration superoxide in oligodendrocytes is reduced relative to handling controls, and is associated with reduced paranode abnormalities. Long term (3 month) administration of 670 nm light preserves retinal ganglion cells vulnerable to secondary degeneration and maintains visual function, as assessed by the optokinetic nystagmus visual reflex. Light at a wavelength of 670 nm may serve as a therapeutic intervention for treatment of secondary degeneration following neurotrauma.

Purpose To examine chronic changes occurring at 6 months following partial optic nerve (ON) transection, assessing optic axons, myelin, and visual function. Methods Dorsal ON axons were transected, leaving ventral optic axons vulnerable to secondary degeneration. At 3 and 6 months following partial transection, toluidine-blue stained sections were used to assess dimensions of the ON injury site. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images of ventral ON were used to quantify numbers, diameter, area, and myelin thickness of optic axons. Immunohistochemistry and fluoromyelin staining were used to assess semiquantitatively myelin protein, lipids in ventral ON, and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in midventral retina. Visuomotor function was assessed using optokinetic nystagmus. Results Following partial ON transection, optic axons and function remained disrupted at 6 months. Although ventral ON swelling observed at 3 months (P ≤ 0.05) receded to normal by 6 months, ultrastructurally, myelinated axons remained swollen (P ≥ 0.05), and myelin thickness increased (P ≤ 0.05) due to loosening of lamellae and an increase in the number of intraperiodic lines. Axons with decompacted myelin persisted and were distinguished as having large axonal calibers and thicker myelin sheaths. Nevertheless, progressive loss of myelin lipid staining with fluoromyelin was seen at 6 months. Despite no further loss of ventral optic axons between 3 and 6 months (P ≥ 0.05), visuomotor function progressively declined at 6 months following partial transection (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusions Continued decompaction of myelin, altered myelin structure, and swelling of myelinated axons are persistent features of the chronic phases of secondary degeneration and likely contribute to progressive loss of visual function.

The use of nanoparticles for targeted delivery of therapeutic agents to sites of injury or disease in the central nervous system (CNS) holds great promise. However, the biodistribution of nanoparticles following in vivo administration is often unknown, and concerns have been raised regarding potential toxicity. Using poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA) nanoparticles coated with polyethylenimine (PEI) and containing superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent and rhodamine B as a fluorophore, whole animal MRI and fluorescence analyses are used to demonstrate that these nanoparticles (NP) remain close to the site of injection into a partial injury of the optic nerve, a CNS white matter tract. In addition, some of these NP enter axons and are transported to parent neuronal somata. NP also remain in the eye following intravitreal injection, a non-injury model. Considerable infiltration of activated microglia/macrophages occurs in both models. Using magnetic concentration and fluorescence visualization of tissue homogenates, no dissemination of the NP into peripheral tissues is observed. Histopathological analysis reveals no toxicity in organs other than at the injection sites. Multifunctional nanoparticles may be a useful mechanism to deliver therapeutic agents to the injury site and somata of injured CNS neurons and thus may be of therapeutic value following brain or spinal cord trauma.