Source Paper
Rho Kinase Inhibition Enhances Axonal Regeneration in the Injured CNS
Alyson E. Fournier, Bayan T. Takizawa, Stephen M. Strittmatter
Journal of Neuroscience • 2003
View Abstract
Myelin-associated inhibitors limit axonal regeneration in the injured brain and spinal cord. A common target of many neurite outgrowth inhibitors is the Rho family of small GTPases. Activation of Rho and a downstream effector of Rho, p160ROCK, inhibits neurite outgrowth. Here, we demonstrate that Rho is directly activated by the myelin-associated inhibitor Nogo-66. Using a binding assay to measure Rho activity, we detected increased levels of GTP Rho in PC12 and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cell lysates after Nogo-66 stimulation. Rho activity levels were not affected by Amino-Nogo stimulation. Rho inactivation with C3 transferase promotes neurite outgrowth of chick DRG neurons in vitro, but with the delivery method used here, it fails to promote neurite outgrowth after corticospinal tract (CST) lesions in the adult rat. Inhibition of p160ROCK with Y-27632 also promotes neurite outgrowth on myelin-associated inhibitors in vitro. Furthermore, Y-27632 enhances sprouting of CST fibers in vivo and accelerates locomotor recovery after CST lesions in adult rats.
Locomotor Recovery Assessment
Objective: Measurement of locomotor function recovery following corticospinal tract lesions in adult rats treated with ROCK inhibitor Y-27632
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Equipment1
Not specified • Not specified • Not specified • Not mentioned
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Protocol Steps
Corticospinal tract lesion creation
Create CST lesions in adult rats
Note: Lesion method not detailed in provided text
View evidence from paper
“Y-27632 enhances sprouting of CST fibers in vivo and accelerates locomotor recovery after CST lesions in adult rats”
Y-27632 treatment administration
Administer ROCK inhibitor Y-27632 to lesioned rats
Note: Specific dosage, route, and timing of administration not provided in text
View evidence from paper
“Inhibition of p160ROCK with Y-27632 also promotes neurite outgrowth on myelin-associated inhibitors in vitro”
Locomotor recovery assessment
Measure locomotor function recovery in treated and control rats
Note: Specific assessment methods and timeline not detailed in provided text
View evidence from paper
“Y-27632 enhances sprouting of CST fibers in vivo and accelerates locomotor recovery after CST lesions in adult rats”