Neuroscience 2004 Abstract
| Presentation Number: | 185.12 |
|---|---|
| Abstract Title: | Regeneration of supernumerary axons in an adult rat cauda equina injury and repair model. |
| Authors: |
Hoang, T. X.*1
; Nieto, J. H.1
; Havton, L. A.1
1Neurol., UCLA Sch Med, Los Angeles, CA |
| Primary Theme and Topics |
Motor Systems - Spinal Cord -- Damage and recovery |
| Session: |
185. Spinal Cord Injury: Regeneration II Poster |
| Presentation Time: | Sunday, October 24, 2004 11:00 AM-12:00 PM |
| Location: | San Diego Convention Center - Hall A-H, Board # W8 |
| Keywords: | ventral root avulsion, implantation, choline acetyltransferase, p75 |
We have previously shown that a lumbosacral ventral root avulsion leads to a progressive autonomic and motor neuron death in an adult rat model of cauda equina injury (Hoang et al., JCN, 2003). However, implantation of the avulsed ventral root into the spinal cord can protect these neurons against cell death and promote reinnervation of the implanted avulsed ventral root (Hoang et al., SfN abstract 76.15, 2003). Here, we studied some of the regenerative aspects of this injury and neural repair strategy in the adult rat at 6 weeks to 5 months postoperatively. We performed a unilateral L5-S2 ventral root avulsion injury with and without an acute implantation of the avulsed L6 ventral root into the spinal cord. Using immunohistochemistry for choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), we demonstrated several unusual and aberrant ChAT positive structures with an axonal phenotype. These structures exhibited a uniform diameter, an irregular course, occasional branching, and large terminal bouton-like swellings in the white and gray matter of the spinal cord. The atypical arbors were reminiscent of regenerating supernumerary axons. Serial light microscope reconstructions of the atypical ChAT immunoreactive arbors demonstrated that they originate from both autonomic and motor neurons. Confocal images showed colocalization of p75, a low affinity neurotrophic factor receptor, and ChAT immunofluorescence in the supernumerary axons. The studies suggest that axotomized cholinergic neurons may generate ChAT positive supernumerary axons, many of which extend towards the implanted ventral root graft. Our studies also support recent suggestions for the role of p75 in axonal elongation.
Supported by NIH/NINDS (NS042719); State of California Roman Reed Funds; Paralysis Project of America
Sample Citation:
[Authors]. [Abstract Title]. Program No. XXX.XX. 2004 Neuroscience Meeting Planner. San Diego, CA: Society for Neuroscience, 2004. Online.
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