Abstract
By means of in situ hybridization histochemistry using an alkaline phosphatase-labelled probe, we found an increase of mRNA for the growth-associated protein GAP-43 in rat facial motoneurons following axotomy of the facial nerve. After nerve resection, the increased level of GAP-43 mRNA was maintained for at least 8 weeks, while it returned to almost undetectable levels by 8 weeks after nerve crush injury. Thus, expression of GAP-43 mRNA in motor neurons paralleled the process of axonal regeneration. However, the increase of GAP-43 mRNA after resection was more pronounced than after crushing, in this way being different from the pattern of low-affinity nerve growth factor receptor mRNA expression.
MeSH terms
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Alkaline Phosphatase
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Animals
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Facial Nerve / chemistry*
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Facial Nerve / surgery
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Facial Nerve / ultrastructure
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Facial Nerve Injuries
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GAP-43 Protein
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Gene Expression
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Growth Substances / analysis*
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Growth Substances / genetics
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Male
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Membrane Glycoproteins / analysis*
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Membrane Glycoproteins / genetics
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Motor Neurons / chemistry*
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Motor Neurons / ultrastructure
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Nerve Regeneration* / genetics
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Nerve Tissue Proteins / analysis*
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Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics
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Neurofilament Proteins / analysis*
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Neurofilament Proteins / genetics
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Nucleic Acid Hybridization
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Phosphoproteins / analysis*
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Phosphoproteins / genetics
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RNA Probes
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RNA, Messenger / analysis*
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RNA, Messenger / genetics
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Rats
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Rats, Wistar
Substances
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GAP-43 Protein
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Growth Substances
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Membrane Glycoproteins
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Nerve Tissue Proteins
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Neurofilament Proteins
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Phosphoproteins
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RNA Probes
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RNA, Messenger
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Alkaline Phosphatase