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Expression patterns and functional evaluation of the UNC5B receptor during the early phase of peripheral nerve regeneration using the mouse median nerve model
Author(s) -
Jaminet Patrick,
Köhler David,
RahmanianSchwarz Afshin,
Lotter Oliver,
Mager Alice,
Fornaro Michele,
Ronchi Giulia,
Geuna Stefano,
Rosenberger Peter,
Schaller HansEberhard
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
microsurgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.031
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1098-2752
pISSN - 0738-1085
DOI - 10.1002/micr.22059
Subject(s) - regeneration (biology) , medicine , western blot , peripheral nerve , netrin , peripheral , sciatic nerve , peripheral nerve injury , receptor , genetically modified mouse , pathology , anatomy , transgene , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , axon guidance , biochemistry , gene
In this study, we evaluated the role of the Netrin‐1 receptor UNC5b ( Unc oordinated), a neuronal guidance molecule, during peripheral nerve regeneration using the mouse median nerve model. Materials and methods: Using Western blot analysis, we examined the expression changes of UNC5b after transection and microsurgical repair of the mouse median nerve distal to the transection site. We evaluated the histomorphometrical changes and functional recovery of the grasping force after median nerve transection and repair in wild‐type (WT) mice and UNC5b +/− heterozygous mice. Results: In Western blot analysis, we could show a high increase of UNC5b in the nerve segment distal to the injury site at day 14. Histomorphometrical analysis did not show any significant differences between WT animals and heterozygous animals. Using the functional grasping test, we could demonstrate that peripheral nerve regeneration is significantly diminished in heterozygous UNC5b +/− mice. Conclusion: By using the mouse median nerve model in transgenic animals, we demonstrate that the Netrin‐1 receptor UNC5b plays an important role during peripheral nerve regeneration. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2013.