Transduction of Neurotrophin 3 gene into peripheral nerve graft for treatment of cervical dorsal root injury

Abstract

Objective To explore the therapeutic effect of the transduction of Neurotrophin 3 gene into peripheral nerve graft for treatment of cervical dorsal root injury in adult rats.Methods 24 adult male Fisher 344 rats were grouped into A (intact),B (reconstruction with PNG-GFP),and C (reconstruction with PNG-NT-3).The treatment was assessed by hot plate test,electrophysiological examination,light and electron microscopy and neurotrace labeling examinations 4 months after the nerve reconstruction.Results Four months after reconstruction,partial pain perception defects were restored.Recording of somatosensory evoked potentials,axonal regeneration and fluorescent tracer transport showed electrical and physical reconnection of the C7 dorsal root ganglion neurons to the spinal cord through the reconstructed pathway in NT-3 and GFP groups.The results of electrophysiological examination and neurotracing in the NT-3 group were superior to the GFP group and the control group (P ＜ 0.01).Conclusions Local released NT-3 by genetic engineering peripheral nerve graft could promote the regeneration of injuried central axons of C7 dorsal root ganglion neurons into the posterior horn in adult rats.Partial sensory function defects were restored. Key words: Brachial plexus ; Nerve injury ; Anastomosis,surgical; Genes ; Rats