Bone marrow-derived fibroblast growth factor-2 induces glial cell proliferation in the regenerating peripheral nervous system

Molecular Neurodegeneration, 2012 · DOI: 10.1186/1750-1326-7-34 · Published: July 13, 2012

Regenerative Medicine Neurology Genetics

Simple Explanation

Bone marrow-derived cells secrete molecules that can induce proliferation of Schwann cells, satellite cells, and lumbar spinal cord astrocytes during early steps of regeneration in a rat model of sciatic nerve transection. Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) is the main mitogenic factor for SCs and is released in large amounts by bone marrow-derived cells, as well as by growing axons and endoneurial fibroblasts during development and regeneration of the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The study found that FGF-2 secreted by bone marrow cells strongly increases early glial proliferation, which can potentially improve PNS regeneration.

Study Duration

10 days

Participants

25 male Lister Hooded rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Bone marrow-derived cell treatment induces an increase in the expression of FGF-2 in the sciatic nerve, dorsal root ganglia and the dorsolateral (DL) region of the lumbar spinal cord (LSC) in a model of sciatic nerve transection.
2
Schwann cells in culture in the presence of bone marrow derived conditioned media (CM) resulted in increased proliferation and migration, which was reduced when FGF-2 was neutralized.
3
The increased expression of FGF-2 was validated by RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry in co-cultures of bone marrow derived cells with sciatic nerve explants and regenerating nerve tissue respectively.

Research Summary

This study investigates the role of bone marrow-derived cells (BMMCs) and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) in promoting glial cell proliferation during peripheral nerve regeneration after sciatic nerve transection in rats. The researchers found that BMMC treatment increased FGF-2 expression in the sciatic nerve, dorsal root ganglia (DRG), and lumbar spinal cord (LSC), leading to enhanced Schwann cell proliferation and migration. Blocking FGF-2 with a neutralizing antibody reduced glial cell proliferation and neurite outgrowth, indicating that BMMC-derived FGF-2 plays a crucial role in promoting peripheral nerve regeneration.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic potential for nerve injuries

The findings suggest that bone marrow-derived cells and FGF-2 could be used to promote nerve regeneration after injury.

Understanding glial cell proliferation

The study provides insights into the mechanisms by which glial cells contribute to nerve regeneration.

Drug development for nerve regeneration

FGF-2 and related signaling pathways could be targets for drug development to enhance nerve regeneration.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted in rats, and the results may not be directly applicable to humans.
2
The specific mechanisms by which FGF-2 promotes glial cell proliferation are not fully elucidated.
3
The study only examined the early stages of nerve regeneration (10 days), and long-term effects were not assessed.

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