[Expression of bcl-2 and Bax genes in facial neurons and their regulation of neuron apoptosis following facial neurotmesis in rats].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between the expression changes of bcl-2 and Bax genes and their functions in facial neuronal apoptosis after amputating the facial nerve.


METHODS
Rats were randomized into two groups, including the experimental and the control group. The changes of expression of bcl-2 and Bax genes in the facial neurons and facial neuronal apoptosis were observed after the facial nerve amputation using the methods of ABC immunohistochemical staining and TUNEL.


RESULTS
The expression of bcl-2 and Bax genes and the apoptosis of facial neurons were significantly higher in the experimental group than those of the control group from the 3rd to 21st day after amputation, but the bcl-2/Bax significantly decreased compared with that of the control group.


CONCLUSIONS
This indicated that bcl-2 and Bax might play an important regulation role in the process of facial neurons apoptosis following facial nerve amputation.
Yang
J
J
Department of Stomatology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University.
Fang
Z
Z
Li
H
H
Zhang
C
C
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D020220:Facial Nerve Injuries / Q000378:metabolism*; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology*; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D019253:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D051028:bcl-2-Associated X Protein
C494828:Bax protein, rat; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins; D019253:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2; D051028:bcl-2-Associated X Protein