[Effect of endogenous brain derived neurotrophic factor on GAP-43 expression in the anterior horn of the spinal cord in rats with sciatic nerve injury].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of endogenous brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on GAP-43 expression in the anterior horn of the spinal cord in rats following sciatic nerve injury.

METHODS

BDNF antibody was injected intraperitoneally in rats with crushing injury of the sciatic nerve, and the control rats received normal saline only after sciatic nerve injury. At 7 and 14 days after the injection, the expression of GAP-43 in the anterior horn of the corresponding segments of the spinal cord was detected by Western blot and RT-PCR.

RESULTS

The expressions of GAP-43 protein and mRNA in the anterior horn of the spinal cord were significantly down-regulated in rats with BDNF antibody injection as compared with those in the control group (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Endogenous BDNF may regulate the expression of GAP-43 in the spinal cord anterior horn after sciatic nerve injury in rats.