Application of GDNF outside the graft did not induce Schwann cell

infiltration nor axon regeneration into the graft. Application of pleiotrophin, a trophic factor which promotes axon regeneration but not Schwann cell migration, did not promote axon infiltration into acellular nerve graft. Conclusions: We conclude that GDNF induced Schwann cell migration and axon regeneration into the acellular nerve graft. Our findings can be of potential clinical value to develop acellular nerve grafting for use in spinal root avulsion injuries. “
“We examined the morphological changes of Golgi apparatus (GA) of the facial motor neurons in rats after facial nerve avulsion or axotomy. In rats after avulsion, the numbers of motor neurons showed reduction and fragmentation of GA, namely the organelle this website lost the normal network-like configuration which was replaced by numerous small disconnected elements (fine fragmentation). This GA fragmentation was morphologically indistinguishable from that previously reported in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). On the other hand, axotomy did not induce significant motor neuron loss, and the GA had lost the elongated profiles (coarse

fragmentation). These results suggest that there may be a similar cascade leading to motor neuron death in rats after avulsion, and ALS and GA observed in rats after axotomy may not be related to neuronal death. “
“T. F. Gendron, K. A. Josephs and L. Petrucelli (2010) Neuropathology p53 inhibitor and Applied Neurobiology36, 97–112 Transactive response DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43): mechanisms of neurodegeneration Since the identification of phosphorylated and truncated transactive response DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) as a primary component of ubiquitinated inclusions in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration with ubiquitin-positive inclusions, and the discovery that mutations in the TDP-43 gene cause ALS, much effort has been directed towards establishing how TDP-43 contributes to the

development of neurodegeneration. Although few in vivo models are presently available, findings thus far strongly support the involvement of abnormally modified Clomifene TDP-43 in promoting TDP-43 aggregation and cellular mislocalization. Therefore, TDP-43-mediated neurotoxicity is likely to result from a combination of toxic gains of function conferred by TDP-43 inclusions as well as from the loss of normal TDP-43 function. Nonetheless, the exact neurotoxic TDP-43 species remain unclear, as do the mechanism(s) by which they cause neuronal death. Moreover, little is currently known about the roles of TDP-43, both in the nucleus and the cytoplasm, making it difficult to truly appreciate the detrimental consequences of aberrant TDP-43 function.