Blockade of Nogo Receptor Ligands Promotes Functional Regeneration of Sensory Axons after Dorsal Root Crush

This study investigates whether blocking Nogo receptor (NgR) ligands can promote the regeneration of sensory axons after a dorsal root crush injury in rats. The researchers administered a soluble peptide fragment of NgR (sNgR) to block NgR ligands and assessed its effect on axon regeneration and functional recovery. The findings suggest that sNgR may be a potential therapy for restoring sensory function after injuries to sensory roots.

• 1
  Intraventricular infusion of sNgR for 1 month results in extensive regrowth of myelinated sensory axons into the white and gray matter of the dorsal spinal cord.
• 2
  There is a gradual restoration of synaptic function in the denervated region, as revealed by extracellular microelectrode recordings from the spinal gray matter in response to stimulation of peripheral nerves.
• 3
  These positive synaptic responses are correlated with substantial improvements in use of the forelimb, as assessed by paw preference, paw withdrawal to tactile stimuli and the ability to grasp.