Abstract
The steady-state mRNA levels of NGF, BDNF and NT-3, and the mRNA levels of their receptors p75NGFR, trk, trkB, and trkC were examined in various human peripheral neuropathies, to determine the correlation with myelinated fiber pathology and T cell and macrophage invasions in the diseased nerves. Steady state levels of p75NGFR mRNAs were significantly elevated in nerves with axonal pathology. In contrast, steady state levels of trkB and trkC mRNA levels were diminished. trk mRNA was not detected in the human nerves. The NGF, BDNF, and NT-3 mRNA levels were elevated in the diseased nerves. The increase in BDNF and NT-3 mRNA levels were proportional to the extent of invasion of the nerves by T cells and macrophages, but did not directly correlate with axonal nor demyelinating pathology, thus suggesting that inflammatory cell invasions are involved in the regulation of BDNF and NT-3 mRNA expressions. These neurotrophin and their receptor gene expressions in the diseased human nerves would be regulated by an underlying pathology-related process, and could play a role in peripheral nerve repair.
Publication types
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Comparative Study
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / biosynthesis
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Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / genetics
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Gene Expression*
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Humans
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Macrophages / immunology
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Myelin Sheath / pathology
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Nerve Degeneration / metabolism
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Nerve Growth Factors / biosynthesis*
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Nerve Growth Factors / genetics
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Nerve Regeneration
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Neurotrophin 3
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Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / immunology
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Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / metabolism*
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Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / pathology
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RNA, Messenger / biosynthesis*
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Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / biosynthesis*
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Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / genetics
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Receptor, Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor
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Receptor, Nerve Growth Factor
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Receptor, trkC
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Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor / biosynthesis*
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Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor / genetics
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Sural Nerve / immunology
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Sural Nerve / metabolism
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Sural Nerve / pathology
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T-Lymphocytes / immunology
Substances
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Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
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Nerve Growth Factors
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Neurotrophin 3
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RNA, Messenger
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Receptor, Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor
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Receptor, Nerve Growth Factor
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Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor
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Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases
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Receptor, trkC