Open AccessThe role of dorsal root ganglia activation and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor in multiple sclerosis
Author(s) -
Zhu Wenjun,
Frost Emma E.,
Begum Farhana,
Vora Parvez,
Au Kelvin,
Gong Yuewen,
MacNeil Brian,
Pillai Prakash,
Namaka Mike
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of cellular and molecular medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.44
H-Index - 130
eISSN - 1582-4934
pISSN - 1582-1838
DOI - 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2011.01481.x
Subject(s) - neuroprotection , spinal cord , experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis , multiple sclerosis , neurotrophic factors , glatiramer acetate , brain derived neurotrophic factor , medicine , neuroscience , myelin basic protein , myelin , central nervous system , immunology , biology , receptor
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by focal destruction of the white matter of the brain and spinal cord. The exact mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of the disease are unknown. Many studies have shown that MS is predominantly an autoimmune disease with an inflammatory phase followed by a demyelinating phase. Recent studies alongside current treatment strategies, including glatiramer acetate, have revealed a potential role for brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in MS. However, the exact role of BDNF is not fully understood. We used the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model of MS in adolescent female Lewis rats to identify the role of BDNF in disease progression. Dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and spinal cords were harvested for protein and gene expression analysis every 3 days post‐disease induction (pdi) up to 15 days. We show significant increases in BDNF protein and gene expression in the DRG of EAE animals at 12 dpi, which correlates with peak neurological disability. BDNF protein expression in the spinal cord was significantly increased at 12 dpi, and maintained at 15 dpi. However, there was no significant change in mRNA levels. We show evidence for the anterograde transport of BDNF protein from the DRG to the dorsal horn of the spinal cord via the dorsal roots. Increased levels of BDNF within the DRG and spinal cord in EAE may facilitate myelin repair and neuroprotection in the CNS. The anterograde transport of DRG‐derived BDNF to the spinal cord may have potential implications in facilitating central myelin repair and neuroprotection.