Transitory expression of NADPH diaphorase (NOS) in axonal swellings after spinal cord injury.
To investigate the sites of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) expression after a spinal cord (SC) injury, NADPH-d diaphorase histochemistry was performed in the SC of adult rats sacrificed at different times from 1 h to 90 days after both SC contusion or transection. NOS could first be seen 12 h after injury in axonal swellings (AS) (club shaped structures at the tip of damage axons, associated with tissue destruction). NOS expression reached a maximum 3 days after injury, and gradually disappeared after 7 days. Finally, AS collapsed leaving behind microcysts. NOS expression and the consequent production of nitric oxide could be involved in the pathophysiology of the secondary damage, and/or could reflect a failed attempt for axonal regeneration.
Guízar-Sahagún
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G
Proyecto Camina A.C., Mexico City, Mexico.
García-López
P
P
Espitia
A L
AL
Grijalva
I
I
Franco-Bourland
R E
RE
Madrazo
I
I
D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D009252:NADPH Dehydrogenase / Q000378:metabolism*; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000201:enzymology / Q000473:pathology; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology*
D009569:Nitric Oxide; D009252:NADPH Dehydrogenase