title: Neuron Regeneration and Proliferation Effects of Danshen and Tanshinone IIA.
abstract: This study evaluates the proliferative effects of danshen and its monomer extract, tanshinone IIA, on Schwann cell proliferation. A piece of silicone rubber was guided across a 15-mm gap in the sciatic nerve of a rat. This nerve gap was then filled with different concentrations of danshen (0-100 mg/mL). The results showed that danshen increased the expressions of uPA, cyclin D1, E and ERK, JNK, and P38 MAP kinases via the FGF-2 signaling pathway in a dose-dependent manner. RSC96, Schwann cells were also administered with danshen (0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 μg/mL) and tanshinone IIA (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 μg/mL). In lower concentrations, danshen and tanshinone IIA exhibited an apparent effect on Schwann cells. Similar effects were also demonstrated in the FGF-2-uPA regulating cascade and cell cycle proliferative protein results. Schwann cell migration was elevated as well. We used MAPK-signaling chemical inhibitors and identified the proliferative effects of danshen and tanshinone IIA as MAPK-signaling dependent. The results from the in vitro systems indicate that danshen and tanshinone IIA can be used to induce Schwann cell proliferation, and in vivo results potentially suggest that danshen and tanshinone IIA might enhance neuron regeneration.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 40705, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Jui-Lung
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Shen
authors.forename: Yueh-Sheng
authors.initials: YS
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Jing-Ying
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Yun-Chen
authors.initials: YC
authors.lastname: Tien
authors.forename: Wen-Huang
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Peng
authors.forename: Chia-Hua
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Kuo
authors.forename: Bor-Show
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Tzang
authors.forename: Hwai-Lee
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Fuu-Jen
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Tsai
authors.forename: Ming-Chih
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Chou
authors.forename: Chih-Yang
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: Chien-Chung
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Lin