Abstract
The Neuregulin/ErbB signaling pathway plays and important role in the neuromuscular system. The aim of the present study was to investigate by immunohistochemistry, RT‐PCR and Western blotting analyses, in an in vivo model of adult skeletal muscle denervation/reinnervation, if the expression of Neuregulin‐1 (NRG1) and ErbB receptors is regulated by the innervation condition.Results showed that denervation of flexor digitorum muscles of the rat forelimb by median nerve transection led to a significant up‐regulation of the α, but not β, isoform of NRG1, as well as of ErbB2, ErbB3 and ErbB4‐cyt1 isoform. Reinnervation, i.e. the arrival of regenerated axons after median nerve surgical reconstruction, induced a prompt down‐regulation of all messengers of the NRG1/ErbB system. Altogether, our results describe the variations of the NRG1/ErbB system in skeletal muscles and suggest the existence of a NRG1‐mediated autocrine and/or paracrine trophic loop that is activated after muscle denervation. This myotrophic loop can represent a promising therapeutic target for the prevention of various muscle diseases.Financial support: Italian M.U.R. (PRIN2005 fund) and Regione Piemonte (CIPE fund).
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
