title: Expression patterns and functional evaluation of the UNC5b receptor during the early phase of peripheral nerve regeneration using the mouse median nerve model.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In this study, we evaluated the role of the Netrin-1 receptor UNC5b (Uncoordinated), a neuronal guidance molecule, during peripheral nerve regeneration using the mouse median nerve model.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using Western blot analysis, we examined the expression changes of UNC5b after transection and microsurgical repair of the mouse median nerve distal to the transection site. We evaluated the histomorphometrical changes and functional recovery of the grasping force after median nerve transection and repair in wild-type (WT) mice and UNC5b(+/-) heterozygous mice.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In Western blot analysis, we could show a high increase of UNC5b in the nerve segment distal to the injury site at day 14. Histomorphometrical analysis did not show any significant differences between WT animals and heterozygous animals. Using the functional grasping test, we could demonstrate that peripheral nerve regeneration is significantly diminished in heterozygous UNC5b(+/-) mice.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  By using the mouse median nerve model in transgenic animals, we demonstrate that the Netrin-1 receptor UNC5b plays an important role during peripheral nerve regeneration.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, Burn Center, BG-Trauma Center, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany. patrickjaminet@googlemail.com
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Jaminet
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Köhler
authors.forename: Afshin
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rahmanian-Schwarz
authors.forename: Oliver
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Lotter
authors.forename: Alice
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mager
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fornaro
authors.forename: Giulia
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ronchi
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Geuna
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Rosenberger
authors.forename: Hans-Eberhard
authors.initials: HE
authors.lastname: Schaller
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D008475:Median Nerve / Q000502:physiology; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D023421:Models, Animal; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000502:physiology*; D000075386:Netrin Receptors; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000502:physiology; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000075386:Netrin Receptors; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface