Neuroprotective effect of basic fibroblast growth factor on wobbler mouse motor neuron disease.
Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) possesses neuroprotective effects on a variety of neurons. Here we report that it delays progression of motor neuron disease (MND) in the wobbler mouse. After initial diagnosis of MND at post-natal age 3-4 weeks, wobbler mice receive either recombinant human bFGF (1 mg kg-1, n = 10) or vehicle (n = 10), daily for weeks by subcutaneous injection in a blind fashion. We performed symptomatic and neuropathological assessments in both groups. The treatment was fulfilled at 7-8 weeks of age. In comparison with vehicle, bFGF treatment potentiated grip strength (p < 0.008), attenuated forelimb contracture (p < 0.003), and increased weight of the biceps muscle (p < 0.008). bFGF-treated mice retarded denervation muscle atrophy (p < 0.001) and degeneration of spinal motoneurons (p < 0.001). Our study shows that bFGF treatment is beneficial in a murine MND model. We provide a rationale that bFGF may have therapeutic potential in peripheral motor neuropathy or MND.
Ikeda
K
K
Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Toho University Ohashi Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.
Iwasaki
Y
Y
Tagaya
N
N
Shiojima
T
T
Kobayashi
T
T
Kinoshita
M
M
D000818:Animals; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D051379:Mice; D008818:Mice, Neurologic Mutants; D016472:Motor Neuron Disease / Q000188:drug therapy*; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2