Nogo-A antibody treatment enhances neuron recovery after sciatic nerve transection in rats.

OBJECTIVE

The use of an antibody to block the neurite outgrowth inhibitor Nogo-A has been of great interest for promoting axonal recovery as a treatment for peripheral nerve injuries. The present study aimed to investigate the signaling pathway of p75 neurotrophin receptor (NTR) and Nogo receptor (NgR) in a sciatic nerve transection (SNT) rat model and evaluate the underlining mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy-five Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=25), namely the sham group, sciatic nerve transection (model) group and Nogo-A-pAb group. Following euthanasia, spinal cord and sciatic nerve of the operation site were harvested, fixed in formalin. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to evaluate the sciatic nerve pathology. The mRNA and protein expression levels of Nogo-A, NTR were assessed by Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting, respectively.

RESULTS

Histology showed enhanced regeneration of spinal axon in the anti-Nogo-A antibody group. At 48 hours after operation, mRNA of Nogo-A and NTR were higher in model group compared with control group. mRNAs were at their highest levels at 1 week, while these were at normal levels after 4 weeks in Nogo-A-pAb group. The protein levels of Nogo-A and NTR were higher in model group compared with sham-operation group at 1-week after operation; Nogo-A-pAb could reduce these proteins levels.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggested Nogo-A antibody might represent a promising repair strategy to promote recovery following SNT.