S100 beta prevents the death of motor neurons in newborn rats after sciatic nerve section.

We have examined whether S100 beta rescues axotomized spinal motor neuron death. Animals that had undergone transection of the sciatic nerve at birth were treated either with S100 beta, or the vehicle. The number of surviving motor neurons and the motor neuron diameter was assessed 14 days later. Treatment with S100 beta rescued motor neuron death and preserved the motor neuron diameter in the lesioned side. These results suggest that S100 beta is a neurotrophic factor for motor neurons in vivo and this agent may have therapeutic potential in damaged motor neuron disorder.