Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 15, 2025

Neuron-Macrophage Co-cultures to Activate Macrophages Secreting Molecular Factors with Neurite Outgrowth Activity
Published on: March 30, 2018
Adrenomedullin increases cAMP accumulation and BDNF expression in rat DRG and spinal motor neurons
Mohsen Sisakht1, Zahra Khoshdel1, Amir Mahmoodazdeh1
1Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
Objectives:
Adrenomedullin (AM) has high expression in the spinal cord. In this study, we investigated the expression of AM and its receptor components, including calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CLR) and receptor activity modifying proteins (RAMPs) in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and spinal motor (SM) neurons. Furthermore, the effects of AM on cAMP/cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), AKT/glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3β) signaling pathways, and expressions of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) were evaluated.
Materials And Methods:
Rat embryonic DRG and SM neurons were isolated, purified, and cultured. Real-time PCR was used to assess expressions of AM, CLR, and RAMPs. cAMP levels, p-CREB, BDNF, and NT-3 were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. p-AKT and p-GSK-3β levels were determined by western blotting. Real-time PCR showed expressions of AM, CLR, RAMP2, and RAMP3 in both DRG and SM neurons.
Results:
AM increased cAMP accumulation and p-CREB levels in DRG and SM neurons. AM increased p-AKT and p-GSK-3β in DRG, but not SM neurons. AM significantly increased BDNF expression in both DRG and SM neurons. There was also an increase in NT-3 level in both DRG and SM neurons, which is statistically significant in SM neurons.
Conclusion:
These results showed both DRG and SM neurons are targets of AM actions in the spinal cord. An increase in BDNF expression by AM in both DRG and SM neurons suggests the possible beneficial role of AM in protecting, survival, and regeneration of sensory and motor neurons.
More Related Videos
11:44Cellular Membrane Affinity Chromatography Columns to Identify Specialized Plant Metabolites Interacting with Immobilized Tropomyosin Kinase Receptor B
Published on: January 19, 2022
08:41Adeno-associated Virus-mediated Transgene Expression in Genetically Defined Neurons of the Spinal Cord
Published on: May 12, 2018
Related Concept Videos
Adrenergic Receptors: β Subtype
Isoprenaline > Adrenaline > Noradrenaline
Neurotransmitter binding to these receptors causes activation of adenylyl cyclase resulting in increased concentrations of cAMP and modulation of calcium ion channels within the cell. They are further classified into β1, β2, and β3 subtypes.
β1-adrenoceptors: β1-adrenoceptors...
GPCRs Regulate Adenylyl Cylase Activity
Adrenergic Agonists: Indirect-Acting Agents
One mechanism involves depleting stored catecholamines by displacing them from synaptic vesicles. These agents, known as "displacers," are transported into vesicles at the expense of noradrenaline. Examples include amphetamine and tyramine, which lack a catechol moiety, resulting in prolonged action, improved oral...