Estrogen signaling is necessary for exercise-mediated enhancement of motoneuron participation in axon regeneration after peripheral nerve injury in mice

Dev Neurobiol, 2017 · DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22501 · Published: October 1, 2017

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the role of estrogen in nerve regeneration after injury, focusing on how exercise helps this process. Researchers examined how blocking estrogen receptors affects nerve regeneration in mice that exercised after a nerve injury. The study found that estrogen signaling is crucial for the benefits of exercise on nerve repair, particularly in encouraging motor neurons to participate in axon regeneration.

Study Duration

2 weeks

Participants

63 gonadally intact male (n = 33) and female (n = 30) wild type C57BI/6J mice

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Treadmill training and estradiol administration both increased motoneuron participation in axon regeneration.
2
Blocking estrogen receptor signaling with an antagonist eliminated the benefits of treadmill exercise on motoneuron regeneration.
3
In females, estrogen signaling is important for motoneuron regeneration even without exercise.

Research Summary

This study explores the role of estrogen signaling in exercise-mediated enhancement of motoneuron participation in axon regeneration after peripheral nerve injury in mice. The results indicate that both treadmill training and estradiol administration increase the number of motoneurons participating in axon regeneration. Blocking ER signaling during treadmill exercise prevents the exercise-mediated enhancement in motoneuron participation in axon regeneration.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

Understanding the role of estrogen signaling can lead to new therapies for nerve regeneration, especially for individuals who cannot exercise.

Personalized Exercise Regimens

The study reinforces the need for sex-specific exercise regimens to maximize nerve regeneration benefits.

Hormonal Influence

Highlights the significant influence of hormonal environments on nerve repair and recovery processes.

Study Limitations

1
The study focuses on mice, and results may not directly translate to humans.
2
The specific mechanisms of ER signaling in different cell types at the nerve repair site are not fully understood.
3
Further research is needed to explore the interaction between estrogen, androgen, and BDNF in nerve regeneration.

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