The recovery of blood-nerve barrier in crush nerve injury--a quantitative analysis utilizing immunohistochemistry

Brain Res. 2004 Mar 19;1001(1-2):13-21. doi: 10.1016/j.brainres.2003.10.067.

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to reveal whether the application of immunohistochemical examinations to the peripheral nervous system (PNS) can be a reliable method for the quantitative analysis of the blood-nerve barrier (BNB) and the relationship between restoration of BNB and nerve regeneration. Sciatic nerves in rats were examined after nerve crush. Immunohistochemical staining with anti-rat endothelial cell antigen-1 (anti-RECA-1) that recognizes endothelial cells and anti-endothelial barrier antigen (anti-EBA) for the detection of barrier-type endothelial cells were used. Neurofilament for staining axons was also performed. A quantitative analysis of the BNB was assessed using the ratio of EBA positive cells and RECA-1 positive cells. The ratio of EBA/RECA-1 decreased significantly 3 days postoperatively and reached its lowest level at day 7 in the segment 5 mm proximal and the entire distal stump. The ratio gradually recovered from the proximal and the regeneration of axons started a week earlier than BNB. The ratio of EBA/RECA-1 applied to the PNS can be a reliable method for the quantitative analysis of BNB. In crush injuries, the breakdown of BNB occurred simultaneously in the segment 5 mm proximal and the entire distal stump; restoration began from the proximal to distal and followed a week later to nerve regeneration.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, Surface / analysis
  • Axons / metabolism
  • Cell Count / methods
  • Endothelial Cells / immunology
  • Endothelial Cells / metabolism*
  • Evans Blue / metabolism
  • Female
  • Immunohistochemistry / methods*
  • Nerve Crush / methods
  • Nerve Degeneration
  • Nerve Regeneration / physiology*
  • Neurofilament Proteins / analysis
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Recovery of Function / physiology*
  • Sciatic Neuropathy / metabolism
  • Sciatic Neuropathy / physiopathology*
  • Time Factors
  • Wallerian Degeneration / etiology
  • Wallerian Degeneration / metabolism
  • Wallerian Degeneration / physiopathology

Substances

  • Antigens, Surface
  • Neurofilament Proteins
  • endothelial barrier antigen, rat
  • Evans Blue