Differential expression of endothelin receptors in regenerating spinal motor neurons in mice

Brain Res Mol Brain Res. 2003 Aug 19;116(1-2):163-7. doi: 10.1016/s0169-328x(03)00258-4.

Abstract

On day 4 after sciatic nerve crush injury, expression and localization of endothelin receptors ET(A) and ET(B) in the lumbar spinal cord were examined. Immunohistochemical staining with antibodies to ET(A) and ET(B) receptors showed cytoplasmic distribution of ET(A) receptors in motor neurons, whereas ET(B) receptors were localized in the perinuclear region. On the injured side of the lumbar spinal cord, when compared to contralateral, results demonstrated an up-regulation of ET(B) and a down-regulation of ET(A) receptors expression at the level of both mRNA and protein. These results suggest that ET(B) receptors may play a role in the regeneration of axotomized motor neurons.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blotting, Western
  • Densitometry
  • Functional Laterality
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Lumbosacral Region
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred ICR
  • Motor Neurons / metabolism*
  • Nerve Crush / methods
  • Nerve Regeneration*
  • RNA, Messenger / biosynthesis
  • Receptors, Endothelin / classification
  • Receptors, Endothelin / genetics
  • Receptors, Endothelin / metabolism*
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Sciatic Neuropathy / metabolism
  • Spinal Cord / cytology
  • Spinal Cord / metabolism*

Substances

  • RNA, Messenger
  • Receptors, Endothelin