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Updated: Sep 16, 2025
A Neurosphere Assay to Evaluate Endogenous Neural Stem Cell Activation in a Mouse Model of Minimal Spinal Cord Injury
Published on: September 13, 2018
Neuroprotective effects of dexmedetomidine in spinal cord injury via modulating PERK/ATF4 pathway
Lijun Yang1, Bo Long2, Huijun Yang3
1Department of Anesthesiology, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.
Objectives:
This study explored whether dexmedetomidine (DEX) can promote functional restoration following spinal cord injury (SCI) through the PKR-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK)/activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) pathway.
Methods:
A rat T10 SCI model was established with 5 groups including sham, SCI, PERK agonist, DEX, and DEX + PERK agonist. The protective role of the PERK/ATF4 pathway in DEX was investigated by comparing autophagy, inflammatory cytokines, and neurological function recovery in each group.
Results:
Seven days after the surgical procedure, DEX administration facilitated neurological recovery by activating autophagy and restraining inflammatory cytokines through the PERK/ATF4 pathway.
Conclusion:
The PERK signaling may be associated with DEX-mediated neuroprotection, potentially involving the induction of autophagy and suppression of inflammation.
