AAS ›› 2013, Vol. 44 ›› Issue (6 ): 756-760.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.0529-1356.2013.06.005

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Temporal and spatial expression pattern of apoptosis and its associated protein in neurons after spinal cord injury in rats

DIAO Yao 1* LIU Xin-ning 1,2 GE Rui3 JIAO Ying3 ZHU Yue3   

  1. 1. Center of Experimental and Technology, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001,China;2. Department of Neurology, the Second people’s Hospital, Liaoning Fuxin 123000,China; 3.Department of Orthopedics,the First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001,China
  • Received:2012-10-09 Revised:2012-11-14 Online:2013-12-06 Published:2013-12-06
  • Contact: DIAO Yao E-mail:diaoyao@yahoo.com

Abstract:

Objective The purpose of this study is to evaluate temporal and spatial expression pattern of neuron apoptosis and its associated protein in neurons after spinal cord injury in rats. Methods Fifty SD rats were divided into a shamoperated and a spinal cord injury group, 25 rats per group. SCI model was made by clamps methods. The expression profiles were evaluated by counting the cresyl violet-stained surviving cells and the number of TUNEL-positive neurons. Caspase-3 expression was determined by immunohistochemical analysis in sections 0-5.00 mm rostral to the epicenter at 6,12,24 hours, 3 and 7 days after injury. Results Neurons continued to disappear over 7 days after injury and neuronal loss extended to the areas far away from the epicenter over times except 0-0.50mm. TUNEL-positive and Caspase-3 positive neurons in gray matter appeared after 6 hours, gradually increased to a peak level after 3 days at 2.55mm and 3.10mm, and declined by 7 days postinjury in the section 1.10-4.60mm rostral to the epicenter. Conclusion Temporal and spatial distribution of neurons apoptosis and Caspase-3 protein expression after spinal cord injury are regulated.

Key words: Spinal cord injury, Apoptosis, Caspase-3, TUNEL, Rat

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