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[Expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor mRNA in Schwann cells]
Tao Huang1, Jianqiang Qin, Shaohu Xiong
1Institute of Clinical Anatomy, First Military Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
Objectives:
To investigate the expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) mRNA in Schwann cells after peripheral nerve injury and roles of Schwann cells and MIF in macrophages activation and nerve regeneration.
Methods:
Fifty SD rats were divided into 10 groups. One group served as normal control. The rest were anesthetized with 3% sodium pentobarbital (30 - 60 mg/kg, i.p) and sciatic nerves were transected distal to the obturator tendon respectively 1 h, 12 h, 1 d, 3 d, 7 d, 10 d, 14 d, 17 d and 21 d before being killed. Sciatic nerves were resected and connective tissues excised. Schwann cells were obtained by digesting the nerve tissues with trypsin and collagenase. RNA was isolated and reverse-transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was carried out. cDNA was analyzed by automatic system and the parameters were assessed to define the status of MIF mRNA expression in different groups.
Results:
The level of MIF mRNA started to increase 12 h after the nerve transection. The level remained high from day 7 up to 10 after the injury. During the period from days 10 to 21, MIF mRNA decreased slowly to the pre-transection level.
Conclusion:
After peripheral nerve injury, Schwann cells can secrete MIF which may play a pivotal role as an immunomodulatory cytokine in macrophage activation and inflammatory reaction.
Insights
Schwann cells release macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) mRNA after peripheral nerve injury, influencing macrophage activation and nerve regeneration. This cytokine plays a key role in the inflammatory response.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Context:
- Peripheral nerve injury triggers complex cellular and molecular responses.
- Schwann cells are crucial for nerve repair and immune modulation.
- Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is implicated in inflammatory processes.
Purpose:
- To investigate macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) mRNA expression in Schwann cells post-peripheral nerve injury.
- To elucidate the roles of Schwann cells and MIF in macrophage activation and nerve regeneration.
Summary:
- Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) mRNA expression in Schwann cells significantly increases 12 hours after peripheral nerve injury, peaking between days 7 and 10.
- MIF mRNA levels gradually decrease from day 10 to 21, returning to pre-injury levels.
- Findings suggest Schwann cells secrete MIF, acting as an immunomodulatory cytokine that influences macrophage activation and the inflammatory response.
Impact:
- Provides insights into the molecular mechanisms of nerve regeneration.
- Highlights the role of MIF as a potential therapeutic target for peripheral nerve injuries.
- Enhances understanding of Schwann cell-macrophage interactions in the context of nerve repair.