Neuroscience 2003 Abstract
| Presentation Number: | 80.4 |
|---|---|
| Abstract Title: | Axon regeneration in peripheral nerves is enhanced by proteoglycan degradation. |
| Authors: |
Groves, M. L.*1
; Werner, E.1
; McKeon, R.1
; English, A. W.1
1Dept. Cell. Biol., Emory Univ., Atlanta, GA |
| Primary Theme and Topics |
Motor Systems - Muscle and Motor Unit -- Anatomy |
| Secondary Theme and Topics | Sensory Systems<br />- Multisensory |
| Session: |
80. Muscle & Motor Unit: Development, Disease, Injury & Regeneration Poster |
| Presentation Time: | Saturday, November 8, 2003 4:00 PM-5:00 PM |
| Location: | Morial Convention Center - Hall F-I, Board # J15 |
| Keywords: | Chondroitinase, peripheral nervous system, regeneration, CSPG |
Regeneration of axons in peripheral nerves is impeded by growth inhibitory molecules, including chondroitin sulfate, heparan sulfate, and keratan sulfate proteoglycans. We investigated whether specific enzymatic degradation of these molecules in the environment of regenerating peripheral axons would enhance their outgrowth. Transected common fibular (CF) nerves in Thy-1-YFP-H mice (Feng et al, Neuron, 28: 41-51, 2002) were repaired with 3-5 mm long grafts obtained from the CF nerves of wild-type littermates. The grafts were used to form a dark background against which regenerating axons containing yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) could be studied by fluorescence microscopy. The grafts also served as a vehicle for delivery of treatments at the time of repair with enzymes designed to degrade different proteoglycans in the territory of the regenerating axons. Lengths of individual reconstructed regenerating axon profiles were measured from images of optical sections through grafts treated with chondroitinase, heparinase, or keratanase and compared to lengths of axon profiles growing through saline-treated grafts. One week after nerve repair, significantly more axons had grown at least 500 µm into enzyme-treated grafts than into saline-treated grafts. The mean lengths of these axon profiles were 2-3 fold greater in the enzyme-treated grafts. The largest increase was found for axons regenerating through chondroitinase-treated grafts, the smallest increase was found for axons growing through keratanase-treated grafts. These differences persisted for one month after nerve repair. Specificity of the enzymes was confirmed using antibodies that react to neo-epitopes only available after selective proteoglycan degradation. A single treatment with proteoglycan digesting enzymes is thus sufficient to enhance the outgrowth of regenerating peripheral axons.
Supported by HD032571 from the USPHS
Sample Citation:
[Authors]. [Abstract Title]. Program No. XXX.XX. 2003 Neuroscience Meeting Planner. New Orleans, LA: Society for Neuroscience, 2003. Online.
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