Effect of NGF on c-fos mRNA Expression in Spinal Neuron after Spinal Cord Injury

摘要

Objective: To expound the mechanism of nerve growth factor (NGF) to protect spinal cord against injury. Methods: Forty-five rats with 10 g X 2. 5 cm impact T_8 spinal cord injury (SCI) were divided into 3 groups. The experimental animals received 60 g NGF purified from bovine seminal plasma instantly, 1, 2, 4 h after in jury and an equal volume of normal saline was given to the control group at the same time. The c-fos mRNA levels were detected by in situ hybridization. Results: The results showed no evident c-fos expression in normal control group. The c-fos expression increased markedly in damaged neurons. The peak value of c-fos mRNA arose at 1 h, and c-fos levels in NGF group reduced evidently. Conclusion: NGF could inhibit c-fos expression. It may serve as one of the action mechanisms of NGF to protect spinal cord against injury.