Induction of activating transcription factor 3 after different sciatic nerve injuries in adult rats
Author
Summary, in English
Staining by activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), a neuronal marker of nerve injury, was examined by immunocytochemistry in neurons and Schwann cells after crush or transection (regeneration inhibited) of rat sciatic nerve. ATF3 immunoreactivity peaked in neurons after three days and then gradually subsided to normal within 12 weeks after the crush. The response lasted somewhat longer and declined over time in spinal cord neurons but not in those of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) after transection, indicating a differential regulation of sensory and motor neurons. ATF3 expression was more pronounced in Schwann cells, and remained longer after transection, implying that to some extent regenerating axons produce signals that reduce ATF3 expression in Schwann cells. However, even after transection without repair (no contact with regenerating axons), ATF3 expression in Schwann cells in the distal segment decreased over time suggesting that regenerating axons are not entirely responsible for the down-regulation. These findings have clinical implications on when it is worthwhile to reconstruct nerve injuries.
Department/s
Publishing year
2007
Language
English
Pages
158-166
Publication/Series
Scandinavian Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Hand Surgery
Volume
41
Issue
4
Document type
Journal article
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Topic
- Zoology
Keywords
- reconstruction
- nerve crush
- nerve transection
- ATF 3
Status
Published
Project
- Nerve regeneration - signal transduktion mechanisms, timing and alternatives to nerve grafts
Research group
- Hand Surgery, Malmö
ISBN/ISSN/Other
- ISSN: 1651-2073