[Reexpression of nerve growth factor receptor in human traumatized spinal cord]

The reexpression of nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR) on paraffin sections of the human spinal cord was examined with immunohistochemical method in 18 cases with survival periods from 2 hours to 28 months after a traumatic injury. The results are as follows: The reexpression of NGFR in motor neurons of the ventral horn began on the fourth day, which gradually decreased 30 days post trauma. However, it could be observed in cases with survival periods up to 28 months. The axons in funiculus dorsalis reexpressed NGFR 7 hours to 9 weeks after trauma occurred, which may be interpreted as axoplasmic transport effect of NGFR in the spinal ganglion cells. NGFR labelled intraspinal microvessels were present in the injured spinal cord. Reexpression of NGFR in motor neurons after trauma reflects an increased demand of neuotrophic factors to support the post trauma survival of NGF dependent neurons.