Substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide expression in dorsal root ganglia in sciatic nerve injury rats

摘要

Research Highlights (1) Substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide expression in dorsal root ganglia were altered over time in rats with sciatic nerve injury. (2) Results showed that the expression of the neuropeptides, substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide, mainly increased in the early stages after sciatic nerve injury. These neuropeptides may possibly serve as an index for evaluating early peripheral nerve injury. (3) Substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide are involved in transmitting pain signals and play a role in repair following sciatic nerve injury. The neuropeptides, substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide, have been shown to be involved in pain transmission and repair of sciatic nerve injury. A model of sciatic nerve defect was prepared by dissecting the sciatic nerve at the middle, left femur in female Sprague Dawley rats. The two ends of the nerve were encased in a silica gel tube. L ₅ dorsal root ganglia were harvested 7, 14 and 28 days post sciatic nerve injury for immunohistochemical staining. Results showed that substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide expression increased significantly in dorsal root ganglion of rats with sciatic nerve injury. This increase peaked at 7 days, declined at 14 days, and reduced to normal levels by 28 days post injury. The findings indicate that the neuropeptides, substance P and calcitonin gene- related peptide, mainly increased in the early stages after sciatic nerve injury.