Mechanisms of neurodegeneration and stem cell migration: A study of molecular signals in the model of axotomy

Abstract

The author of the present study firstly investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the motoneuronal degeneration in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve (DMV) after right vagotomy. The results showed the expressions of cytokines, chemokines, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the right DMV following operation. Moreover, apoptotic pathway mediated by Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase-3 and NMDAR-calcium-neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) pathway have been shown to be activated in the right DMV following operation. On the other hand, the author also examined the role of chemokines and chemokine receptors interactions in the migration of rat mesenchymal stem cells (rMSCs) in the model of left hypoglossal nerve avulsion. In the present study, it has been shown that interactions of stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) with CXCR4 and fractalkine with CX3CR1 could play an important role in the migration of rMSCs. Additionally, the author also found the expressions of chemokine receptors CXCR4, CCR2, CCR5, and CX3CR1 in neural stem or progenitor cells isolated from the subventricular zone of the adult rat brain. This suggests that chemokines or chemokine receptors could be potentially involved in the migration of adult neural stem or progenitor cells in physiological or pathological conditions.