针刺对去部分背根猫脊髓和背根节NGF及NGF mRNA的影响

用免疫组织化学和地高辛标记 c RNA探针原位分子杂交技术 ,观察了针刺对成年备用背根猫 (切断一侧 L1～ 5 、L7～ S2节段脊髓背根 ,保留 L6 背根 )脊髓 板层、背核和背根节内神经生长因子和神经生长因子 m RNA的影响。结果证明 ,针刺促进了备用根背根节的神经生长因子基因的表达 ,使备用背根节内神经生长因子、神经生长因子 m RNA阳性神经元数量明显增多 ,并且针刺时间越长促进作用也越强 ;而对脊髓 板层与背核则无明显影响。本实验结果提示 ,针刺对备用根猫脊髓侧支生芽具有促进作用 ,这种作用主要体现在通过增加背根节神经生长因子基因的表达和神经生长因子的合成来实现的     

针刺对备用DRG的NGF及其mRNA阳性大、中、小神经元数量的影响

本研究观察了 NGF及其 m RNA阳性神经元在 DRG大、中、小神经元中的数量变化 ,目的在于探讨 DRG各类神经元NGF变化与针刺促进脊髓可塑性的关系。对 5只成年猫进行双侧备用根手术。术后当日开始针刺一侧 L6 脊神经后肢分布区的两组穴位即足三里和悬中、伏兔和三阴交 ,每天一次 ,每次 3 0 min,连续针刺 7d后处死动物。取针刺侧与非针刺侧 L6 的 DRG制成 2 0μm厚冰冻纵切片。分别用 NGF抗血清和 NGF的 c RNA探针进行免疫组织化学反应及原位杂交染色。计数两侧 DRG相同面积内大 (>5 7μm)、中 (4 2～ 5 7μm)、小 (<42 μm)型 NGF及其 m RNA阳性神经元的数量。结果显示 :针刺侧备用 DRG NGF及其 m RNA阳性大、小型神经元的数量明显增加 (P<0 .0 5 ) ,而对中型神经元数量影响不明显。结论 :针刺促进脊髓可塑性可能与备用 DRG大、小神经元表达 NGF增多有关。     

针刺对脑源性神经营养因子在脊髓Ⅱ板层可塑性中表达的影响

采用免疫组化和原位杂交技术 ,探讨了针刺促进脊髓 板层可塑性过程中脑源性神经营养因子及其 m RNA表达的变化。结果显示 :针刺侧备用背根节的脑源性神经营养因子及其 m RNA阳性中 (4 2～ 5 7μm)、小 (<42 μm)型神经元的百分数有所增加 (P<0 .0 5 ) ;脊髓 板层的脑源性神经营养因子的阳性神经膨体密度明显增多 (P<0 .0 1)而阳性神经元百分数无变化 (P>0 .0 5 ) ;针刺后脊髓 板层未见脑源性神经营养因子 m RNA的杂交信号。提示针刺促进脊髓 板层可塑性可能与背根节中、小神经元表达脑源性神经营养因子的增多有关     

Electro-acupuncture induced NGF, BDNF and NT-3 expression in spared L6 dorsal root ganglion in cats subjected to removal of adjacent ganglia

This study evaluated the effect of electro-acupuncture (EA) on the NGF, BDNF and NT-3 expression in spared L6 dorsal root ganglion (DRG) in cats subjected to bilateral removal of L1-L5 and L7-S2 DRG, using immunostaining, in situ hybridization and RT-PCR. The positive products of NGF, NT-3 protein and mRNA in the small and large neurons of spared L6 DRG in EA side increased greatly more than that of control side, while the increased BDNF was only noted in small and medium-sized neurons. RT-PCR demonstrated that the mRNA level for three factors was not influenced by EA in intact DRG, when a significant increase was seen in the spared L6 DRG of EA side. As it has been well known that DRG neurons project to the spinal cord wherein morphological plasticity has been present after DRG removal, the present results might have some bearing to the observed phenomenon.     

Electro-acupuncture induced NGF,BDNF and NT-3 expression in spared L6 dorsal root ganglion in cats subjected to removal of adjacent ganglia

This study evaluated the effect of electro-acupuncture (EA) on the NGF, BDNF and NT-3 expression in spared L6 dorsal root ganglion (DRG) in cats subjected to bilateral removal of L1-L5 and L7-S2 DRG, using immunostaining, in situ hybridization and RT-PCR. The positive products of NGF, NT-3 protein and mRNA in the small and large neurons of spared L6 DRG in EA side increased greatly more than that of control side, while the increased BDNF was only noted in small and medium-sized neurons. RT-PCR demonstrated that the mRNA level for three factors was not influenced by EA in intact DRG, when a significant increase was seen in the spared L6 DRG of EA side. As it has been well known that DRG neurons project to the spinal cord wherein morphological plasticity has been present after DRG removal, the present results might have some bearing to the observed phenomenon.     

Injured nerve-derived COX2/PGE2 contributes to the maintenance of neuropathic pain in aged rats

Neuropathic pain (NeP) is a debilitating disease afflicting mostly the aged population. Inflammatory responses in injured nerves play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of NeP. Injured nerve derived cyclooxygenase 2/prostaglandin E2 (COX2/PGE2) contributes to the genesis of NeP at the early stage in young rats. Here we show that COX2/PGE2 is involved in the maintenance of NeP at a chronic stage in aged rats. Eighteen months after partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSNL), NeP remained prominent in aged rats. COX2 expressing macrophages and PGE2 levels were increased in injured nerves. PGE2 receptors (EP1 and EP4) and pain-related ion channel transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1) were increased in the ipsilateral dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons of aged PSNL rats. Perineural injection of a selective COX2 inhibitor NS-398 relieved NeP, reversed PSNL increased expression of EP1, EP4 and TRPV1 and suppressed the levels of pain-related peptide substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide in DRG neurons. These data suggest that injured nerve-derived PGE2 contributes to the maintenance of NeP at the chronic stage in aged rats. Chronically facilitating the synthesis of pain-related molecules in nociceptive DRG neurons is a novel mechanism underpinning the contribution of PGE2.     

NGF及NGF mRNA在去部分背根猫脊髓和背根节表达的变化

用成年猫单侧备用根模型 (切断一侧 L1～ 5 、L7～ S2 节段脊髓背根 ,保留 L6 背根 ) ,用免疫组织化学和原位杂交技术 ,对脊髓背角 板层、背核和 L6 背根节中神经生长因子的表达进行了动态观察。结果证明 ,部分背根去传入后 :(1)脊髓各节段双侧背角 板层的神经生长因子和神经生长因子 m RNA阳性神经元的数量及体积显著增高、增大 ;(2 )手术侧背核神经生长因子和神经生长因子 m RNA阳性神经元的增高强于非手术侧 ,但术后两时间组的手术侧之间无差异 ;(3 )备用根背根节新出现了神经生长因子 m RNA阳性神经元 ,且神经生长因子阳性神经元数量明显高于正常组 ,且随术后时间增加而递增。以上结果表明 :部分背根去传入猫脊髓背角 板层及背核内神经生长因子水平提高 ,尤其备用根背根节神经元神经生长因子的增加 ,为备用背根传入纤维侧支生芽和突触重建提供了良好的条件 ,有助于解释脊髓初级传入纤维损伤溃变后代偿性机能恢复的机制     

部分背根切断对备用DRG神经元和胶质细胞NGF表达上调的影响

本研究目的在于探讨部分背根切断后备用背根节(DRG)中各类细胞NGF及其mRNA的量变状况。将成年雄猫10只分为正常组、单侧部分背根切断后7天组等2组,每组5只。实验组切除一侧L1～L5,L7～S2 DRG,保留L6 DRG为备用根。取正常组一侧和术后7天组手术侧的L6 DRG制成20μm厚冰冻纵切片,分别用NGF抗体及其cRNA探针进行免疫组织化学及原位杂交反应。观察NGF及其mRNA在DRG各类细胞的分布,测定NGF及其mRNA的光密度值以反映其相对含量。结果表明,在正常组,L6DRG中仅存在少量的NGF及其mRNA阳性神经元,此外,一些胶质细胞也呈阳性反应。在手术组,各类神经元及胶质细胞内NGF及其mRNA的光密度值较正常者显著升高(P<0.05)。结论:部分背根切断导致备用DRG神经元和非神经元表达NGF增多,提示NGF可能有利于促进备用背根生芽。     

部分背根切断及针刺对备用背根节神经元血小板源性生长因子表达的影响

目的:探讨部分去背根及部分去背根后针刺对备用背根节神经元血小板源性生长因子(PDGF)表达的影响。方法:制备猫双侧备用背根节模型,并针刺位于右侧备用根支配区的两组穴位,针刺7d及14d后分别取针刺、非针刺侧备用背根节,行免疫组织化学ABC法显色。分别计数各组阳性神经元总数以及大、中小阳性神经元的数量。结果:PDGF在备用背根节的大、中小神经元均有表达。部分背根切断后,针刺侧、非针刺侧PDGF阳性神经元总数及中小阳性神经元数在7d时较正常显著减少,针刺后7d时,PDGF阳性总数及大神经元数针刺多于非针刺侧,针刺14d时,阳性总数及中小神经元数多于非针刺侧。结论:部分背根切断及针刺可影响PDGF在备用背根节的表达,这种作用显效的时间因不同时相、不同类型的背根节神经元而异。     

部分去背根猫备用背根节和脊髓Ⅱ板层BDNF及其mRNA表达的变化

采用免疫组织化学和原位杂交技术探讨了部分去背根猫术后 3 d和 10 d的备用背根节和脊髓 II板层内 BDNF及其m RNA的表达变化。结果表明 ,正常组 ,BDNF主要分布于背根节的部分中、小神经元及脊髓背角浅层神经元内 ,II板层内还有大量的 BDNF阳性神经膨体。背根节同时也为 BDNF m RNA阳性 ,唯背角阴性。部分去背根后 10 d组 ,备用背根节 BDNF及其 m RNA阳性中、小神经元百分数较正常及 3 d者明显增加 (P<0 .0 5 )。而 L3,L5II板层 BDNF阳性神经膨体密度在术后两组均明显下降 (P<0 .0 5 ) ,唯 BDNF的含量在 3 d组者减少 (P<0 .0 5 ) ,10 d组者恢复 (P>0 .0 5 )。术后 II板层未见 BDNF m RNA的杂交信号。结果提示 :去背根术后 3 d组脊髓 II板层阳性膨体数的下降及 BDNF含量减少 ,可能是因背根切断导致输入脊髓 II板层的 BDNF中断所致 ;而 10 d时 II板层 BDNF合成得以恢复 ,可能来源于备用背根节中、小神经元的 BDNF增多所致 ,BDNF在脊髓可塑性中可能发挥作用     

Altered expression of potassium channel subunit mRNA and alpha-dendrotoxin sensitivity of potassium currents in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons after axotomy

Previous studies have raised the possibility that a decrease in voltage-gated K+ currents may contribute to hyperexcitability of injured dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and the emergence of neuropathic pain. We examined the effects of axotomy on mRNA levels for various Kv1 family subunits and voltage-gated K+ currents in L4-L5 DRG neurons from sham-operated and sciatic nerve-transected rats. RNase protection assay revealed that Kv1.1 and Kv 1.2 mRNAs are highly abundant while Kv1.3, Kv1.4, Kv1.5 and Kv1.6 mRNAs were detected at lower levels in L4-L5 DRGs from sham and intact rats. Axotomy significantly decreased Kv1.1, Kv1.2, Kv1.3 and Kv1.4 mRNA levels by approximately 35%, approximately 60%, approximately 40% and approximately 80%, respectively, but did not significantly change Kv1.5 or Kv1.6 mRNA levels. Patch clamp recordings revealed two types of K+ currents in small-sized L4-L5 DRG neurons: sustained delayed rectifier currents elicited from a -40 mV holding potential and slowly inactivating A-type currents that was additionally activated from a -120 mV holding potential. Axotomy decreased both types of K+ currents by 50-60% in injured DRG neurons. In addition, axotomy increased the alpha-dendrotoxin sensitivity of the delayed rectifier, but not slow A-type K+ currents in injured DRG neurons. These results suggest that Kv1.1 and Kv1.2 subunits are major components of voltage-gated K+ channels in L4-L5 DRG neurons and that the decreased expression of Kv1-family subunits significantly contributes to the reduction and altered kinetics of Kv current in axotomized neurons.     

坐骨神经分支选择性损伤模型L4～6背根神经节水平不同时间点P2X3mRNA表达变化

目的观察坐骨神经分支选择性损伤(SNI)动物制作型模后不同时间点L4~6背根神经节(DRG)水平P2X3mRNA的表达情况,探讨外周P2X3mRNA在神经病理性痛模型不同阶段中的作用。方法 54只健康雄性SD大鼠完全随机分为空白对照(control)组、假手术(sham surgery)组和手术(surgery)组。通过结扎腓总神经及切断胫神经,保留腓肠神经的方法建立SNI模型。动态观察造模前、造模后1d、3d、7d和14d双侧足跖机械痛阈;Real-time PCR法检测患侧造模后3d、7d和14d L4~6 DRG水平P2X3mRNA表达情况。结果模型制作后各时间点,surgery组大鼠患侧足跖痛阈明显降低(P0.05),sham surgery组大鼠与control组比较差异无显著性(P0.05);各组大鼠健侧足跖痛阈于模型制作后各时间点均无显著变化(P0.05)。模型制作后3d、7d,surgery组大鼠L4、L5、L6 DRG水平P2X3mRNA表达均有不同程度的提高(P0.05);而模型制作后14d,surgery组大鼠L5、L6DRG水平P2X3mRNA表达明显减少(P0.05),L4 DRG水平P2X3mRNA表达仍显著多于sham surgery组(P0.05)。模型制作后各时间点、各DRG水平,sham surgery组和surgery组大鼠P2X3mRNA表达差异均无显著性(P0.05)。结论外周P2X3mRNA参与SNI模型疼痛的产生和维持,且其在不同阶段发挥的作用不同。     

部分去背根猫备用背根节和脊髓Ⅱ板层NT-3及其mRNA的表达变化

采用免疫组化和原位杂交技术探讨了部分去背根猫备用背根节 (L6 )和 L3、L5脊髓 II板层 NT-3及其 m RNA的表达变化。结果发现 ,正常组 NT-3及其 m RNA阳性产物主要分布于背根节的大型神经元和少数中、小型神经元。部分去背根后 ,3 d和10 d两时相 NT-3 m RNA大型神经元阳性数明显减少 ,而 NT-3阳性大型神经元数术后 10 d时方明显减少 (P<0 .0 1) ;NT-3及其 m RNA阳性小型细胞数在术后两时相均较正常组者增多 (P<0 .0 1) ;而在中型神经元只有 NT-3阳性神经元数有增加。相对地 ,在脊髓 板层 ,两时相 NT-3阳性神经元及胶质细胞百分数均较正常者明显增加 (P<0 .0 1) ,且以 3 d组者为最明显 ,但均未见 NT-3 m RNA阳性信号。结果表明 ,部分去背根不仅导致背根节各类神经元中 NT-3的表达发生了变化 ,且对 板层 NT-3阳性神经元及胶质细胞数量也有明显影响。提示 NT-3可能在脊髓 板层可塑性中发挥作用     

Hyperexcitability of axotomized and neighboring unaxotomized sensory neurons is reduced days after perineural clonidine at the site of injury

Hyperexcitability after peripheral nerve injury occurs in axotomized and neighboring unaxotomized dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and contributes to hypersensitivity. Previous studies have focused on proximal nerve injury and have not examined unaxotomized neurons innervating the site of sensory testing. The current study used a distal nerve injury (partial sciatic nerve ligation [PSNL]), and identified, using fluorescent tracers, axotomized and unaxotomized neurons innervating the site of hypersensitivity. We hypothesized that reduced hypersensitivity after perineural clonidine was associated with reduced hyperexcitability of DRG neurons. Rats underwent sham or PSNL surgery, followed 2 wk later by a single injection at the injury site of clonidine or saline. PSNL, but not sham surgery, reduced hindpaw mechanical withdrawal threshold, and clonidine, but not saline, partially reversed this effect 3 days after injection. Intracellular recording of neurons in whole DRG demonstrated similar changes in membrane properties and excitability in unaxotomized and axotomized neurons after PSNL compared with sham surgery, primarily depolarized resting membrane potential, reduced rheobase, presence of oscillations, and capability to fire repetitively. Most of these changes were present in small-, medium-, and large-diameter neurons. Perineural clonidine 3 days later significantly reversed many of these effects, whereas saline was without effect. We speculate that perineural clonidine reduces signals, likely proinflammatory cytokines and prostaglandins produced during Wallerian degeneration after nerve injury, which drive changes in ion channel expression in DRG somata leading to hyperexcitability and hypersensitivity.     

针刺对备用背根节神经元CNTF和PDGF表达的影响

目的探讨部分去背根后针刺对备用背根节神经元睫状神经营养因子(CNTF)及血小板源性生长因子(PDGF)表达的影响。方法制备猫双侧备用背根模型(切除双侧L1～L5、L7～S2背根节,保留L6背根节为备用背根节)。针刺位于右侧备用根支配区的两组穴位。针刺7d及14d后取备用背根节用CNTF抗血清(1∶500)及PDGF抗血清(1∶200)行免疫组织化学ABC法染色。分别记数各组阳性总、大及中小神经元的数量。结果正常组左右L6背根节的细胞数无差异,CNTF、PDGF阳性神经元数在7d、14d时与正常组比较无差异。针刺侧CNTF阳性总、大及中小神经元数在针刺7d时均显著多于非针刺侧(P<0.05),而针刺14d时,只有阳性大神经元数多于非针刺侧(P<0.05)。PDGF阳性总及大神经元数针刺7d时多于非针刺侧(P<0.05),针刺14d时,阳性总及中小神经元多于非针刺侧(P<0.05)。结论针刺可促进去背根后备用背根节CNTF、PDGF的表达,这种促进作用显效的时间因不同因子和不同种类的背根节神经元而异。     

Inhibition of neuronal nitric oxide synthase results in neurodegenerative changes in the axotomised dorsal root ganglion neurons: evidence for a neuroprotective role of nitric oxide in vivo

In axotomised adult rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG), many neurons show a marked increase in expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). It has been established that NO functions as a neuron-glial signalling molecule by generating cGMP in glia cells that surround the neuron in DRG. Furthermore, in cultures of dissociated DRG deprived of nerve growth factor, many neurons expressed nNOS and cGMP and subsequently died if either enzyme's activity was inhibited suggesting that NO-cGMP pathway could be neuroprotective in stressed DRG neurons. This has now been tested in vivo. It was found, 10 days after sciatic axotomy that nNOS was expressed in 36% of DRG neurons in the L5 and L6 ganglia giving rise to the damaged nerve, compared with 6% in contralateral ganglia. Almost all nNOS neurons and 24% of non-nNOS neurons expressed c-Jun in their nuclei. Ten days following axotomy, treatment with the relatively selective nNOS-blocker, 1-(2-trifluoromethylphenyl) imidazole (TRIM), caused morphology changes in approximately 50% of neurons that consisted of vacuolations, blebbing and highly irregular cell boundaries. Sham operated, TRIM treated, nerve-sectioned, vehicle treated, and controls did not show these changes. These observations further support the view that NO could be neuroprotective in some injured/stressed primary sensory neurons.     

Changes in PDGF expression in spared dorsal root ganglia and associated spinal dorsal horns in cats subjected to partial dorsal root ganglionectomy

Changes in the platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) in the spared dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and associated spinal dorsal horns were evaluated in cats subjected to unilateral removal of L1-L5 and L7-S2 DRG, sparing the L6 DRG. The number of PDGF immunopositive neurons and protein expression decreased significantly in the spared DRG and associated dorsal horns of the L3 and L6 cord segments at 3 days post-operation (dpo). It bottomed to the lowest level at 7 dpo in the DRG, then returned to the control level at 14 dpo; while in the L6 dorsal horn, it rapidly increased at 7 dpo and exceeded the control level at 14 dpo. This showed a significant upregulation in the spared DRG and associated spinal dorsal horns, especially in the L6 cord segment following a transient decrease. Meanwhile, a significant upregulation of PDGF mRNA was also seen in L6 DRG and L3 and L6 dorsal horns at 3 dpo. The upregulation of the endogenous PDGF in the said structures indicated a potential role of this factor in spinal cord plasticity after partial dorsal root ganglia removal in cats.