Activation of NF-κB in the mouse spinal cord following sciatic nerve transection

• Published in: Experimental brain research 2005-09, Vol.165 (4), p.470-477
• Main Authors: POLLOCK, G, PENNYPACKER, K. R, MEMET, S, ISRAëL, A, SAPORTA, S
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Cranial nerves. Spinal roots. Peripheral nerves. Autonomic nervous system. Gustation. Olfaction; Development. Senescence. Regeneration. Transplantation; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Medical sciences; Nervous system (semeiology, syndromes); Neurology; Vertebrates: nervous system and sense organs
• ISSN: 0014-4819; 1432-1106
• DOI: 10.1007/s00221-005-2318-6

NF- Kappa B is a ubiquitous nuclear transcription factor that regulates a number of physiological processes. NF- Kappa B activity has been implicated in enhancing neuronal survival following CNS injury. The present study was conducted to test the hypothesis that NF- Kappa B activity is up-regulated in neurons of the spinal cord in response to peripheral nerve transection. In this series of experiments, we used NF- Kappa B reporter mice in which activation of NF- Kappa B drives the expression of the lac-z gene. The response to injury of cells in the spinal cord was assessed by evaluating the number and distribution of beta -galalactosidase ( beta -gal)-positive cells following sciatic nerve transection. The animals were randomly assigned to four groups, which were allowed to survive for one, three, five and ten days. Four mice that did not undergo sciatic nerve transection were assigned to each group to serve as controls. The total number of beta -gal-positive cells in the right and left dorsal and ventral horns were compared. The numbers of beta -gal-positive cells between the right and left sides were significantly different three and five days post axotomy (p