Nerve growth factor expression in stroke induced rats after shock wave.
Jung-Ho Lee1, Youn-Bum Sung2, Sang-Hun Jang3
1Department of Physical Therapy, Kyungdong University, Republic of Korea.
Journal of Physical Therapy Science
|February 9, 2017
Summary
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy significantly increased nerve growth factor expression in stroke rats. This therapy may promote nerve regeneration by creating a supportive spinal cord microenvironment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Regenerative Medicine
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability.
- Nerve growth factor (NGF) plays a crucial role in neuronal survival and growth.
- Current stroke treatments have limitations in promoting neural repair.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on nerve growth factor (NGF) expression in a rat stroke model.
- To determine if ESWT can modulate molecular mechanisms involved in neural recovery post-stroke.
Main Methods:
- Sixteen Sprague-Dawley rats were induced with stroke and randomly assigned to experimental (ESWT) and control groups.
- ESWT was applied to the experimental group post-stroke.
- Spinal cord tissue (lumbar 4-lumbar 5) was collected for Western blot analysis of NGF expression.
Main Results:
- A significant difference in nerve growth factor expression was observed between the ESWT and control groups.
- ESWT application led to increased NGF levels in the spinal cord tissue of stroke rats.
Conclusions:
- Extracorporeal shock wave therapy effectively increases nerve growth factor expression in a rat stroke model.
- NGF upregulation following ESWT is postulated to contribute to neural repair by modulating the spinal cord microenvironment near the injury site.
