Electrical stimulation promotes BDNF expression in spinal cord neurons through Ca(2+)- and Erk-dependent signaling pathways.

ABSTRACT: Brief electrical stimulation has been shown to be effective in promoting neuronal regeneration following peripheral nerve injury. These effects are thought to be mediated largely by the upregulation of the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in spinal cord neurons. However, the molecular mechanisms by which electrical stimulation can promote BDNF expression are not known. The mechanism involved in BDNF expression after electrical stimulation was explored in this study. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were used to test BDNF expression. Confocal microscopy was utilized to study intracellular Ca(2+) volume. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting confirmed that brief electrical stimulation increased BDNF expression in spinal cord neurons both in vivo and in vitr

SUBMITTER: Wenjin W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11498367 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature