The complement factor C5a receptor is upregulated in NFL−/− mouse motor neurons

• Published in: Journal of neuroimmunology 2009-05, Vol.210 (1), p.52-62
• Main Authors: Humayun, Saima, Gohar, May, Volkening, Kathryn, Moisse, Katie, Leystra-Lantz, Cheryl, Mepham, Jennifer, McLean, Jesse, Strong, Michael J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Allergy and Immunology; Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis - genetics; Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis - immunology; Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis - metabolism; Animals; C5aR; Complement; Complement C5a - pharmacology; Disease Models, Animal; Excitatory Amino Acid Agonists - pharmacology; Excitotoxicity; Glutamate; Kainic Acid - pharmacology; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Knockout; Motor Neuron Disease - genetics; Motor Neuron Disease - immunology; Motor Neuron Disease - metabolism; Motor Neurons - immunology; Motor Neurons - metabolism; Motor Neurons - pathology; Nerve Degeneration - genetics; Nerve Degeneration - immunology; Nerve Degeneration - metabolism; Neurofilament; Neurofilament Proteins - genetics; Neurology; Neurotoxins - pharmacology; Receptor, Anaphylatoxin C5a - drug effects; Receptor, Anaphylatoxin C5a - metabolism; Up-Regulation - drug effects; Up-Regulation - genetics; Up-Regulation - immunology
• ISSN: 0165-5728; 1872-8421
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2009.01.028

Abstract In NFL−/− mice, a model of motor neuron degeneration in ALS, degenerating spinal motor neurons express high levels of the receptor for the C5a anaphylatoxin (C5aR) early in the disease process. C5a is a potent in vitro neurotoxin for both Neuro2A and NGF-differentiated PC12 cells. While no interaction was observed between glutamate and C5a, both C5a and kainate upregulated the expression of activated C5aR. C5aR expression was increased in motor neurons in ALS. This data suggests that the early upregulation of C5aR may contribute to motor neuron damage that potentiates excitotoxicity in ALS.