Brainstem-Evoked Transcription of Defensive Genes After Spinal Cord Injury.

ABSTRACT: The spinal cord after injury shows altered transcription in numerous genes. We tested in a pilot study whether the nucleus raphé magnus, a descending serotonergic brainstem region whose stimulation improves recovery after incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI), can influence these transcriptional changes. Rats received 2 h of low-frequency electrical stimulation in the raphé magnus 3 days after an impact contusion at segment T8. Comparison groups lacked injuries or activated stimulators or both. Immediately following stimulation, spinal cords were extracted, their RNA transcriptome sequenced, and differential gene expression quantified. Confirming many previous studies, injury primarily increased inflammatory and immune transcripts and decreased those related to lipid and cholesterol synthesi

SUBMITTER: Jermakowicz WJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6877476 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature