NeuroReport
Molecular Neuroscience
Expression of fibroblast growth factors in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons and regulation after peripheral nerve injury
Li, Guo-Dong1 3; Wo, Yan2; Zhong, Mei-Fang2; Zhang, Fang-Xiong1; Bao, Lan1; Lu, Ying-Jin1; Huang, Yao-De2; Xiao, Hua-Sheng1 CA; Zhang, Xu1
1Laboratory of Sensory System, Institute of Neuroscience, Shanghai Institute of Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai, 200031
2Department of Anatomy, Shanghai Second Medical University, Shanghai, PR China
3Department of Neurosurgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Second Medical University, Shanghai, PR China
CACorresponding Author
Received 16 July 2002; accepted 5 August 2002
Abstract
Using cDNA array, we observed the expression of eight members of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family, FGF 2, 5, 7, 9, 10, 13 and 14, in rat lumbar 4 and 5 dorsal root ganglia (DRGs). Over a period of 28 days after sciatic nerve transection, the array signals for FGF 2 and 7 were significantly increased in the DRGs, while FGF 13 decreased. Using the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), we confirmed the axotomy-induced changes in the expression of FGF 7 and 13. In situ hybridization showed that FGF 13 was expressed in 60% of DRG neurons under normal circumstance. Seven days after axotomy the number of FGF 13-positive neurons was decreased to 18%, but partially recovered to 40% after 28 days. FGF 13 immunoreactivity was also decreased. These data indicate that FGFs are important for DRG neurons under normal circumstance and after nerve injury.