Preferential expression of IGF-I in small DRG neurons and down-regulation following injury

Neuroreport. 2002 Sep 16;13(13):1649-52. doi: 10.1097/00001756-200209160-00016.

Abstract

In this study, we examined the expression of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and its receptor (IGF-IR) in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons in two rodent models of nerve injury: sciatic nerve axotomy and streptozotocin-induced (STZ) painful diabetic neuropathy. We demonstrate that IGF-I and its receptor are preferentially expressed in small (< 25 microm diameter) DRG neurons. There is a significant down-regulation in the expression of IGF-I and IGF-IR in the small DRG neurons of STZ rats by 59% and 71%, respectively. A parallel reduction in expression is shown in axotomized < 25 microm diameter DRG neurons for IGF-I (47%) but not for IGF-IR. The loss of IGF-I support to a population of predominantly nociceptive neurons may contribute to neuropathic pain observed in these models.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Afferent Pathways / metabolism*
  • Afferent Pathways / physiopathology
  • Animals
  • Axotomy
  • Cell Size / physiology
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental / complications
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental / physiopathology
  • Diabetic Neuropathies / metabolism
  • Diabetic Neuropathies / physiopathology
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Down-Regulation / physiology*
  • Ganglia, Spinal / metabolism*
  • Ganglia, Spinal / physiopathology
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Nerve Degeneration / metabolism
  • Nerve Degeneration / physiopathology
  • Nerve Fibers, Unmyelinated / metabolism*
  • Neuralgia / metabolism*
  • Neuralgia / physiopathology
  • Nociceptors / metabolism*
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / metabolism*
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / physiopathology
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Receptor, IGF Type 1 / metabolism
  • Sciatic Nerve / injuries
  • Sciatic Nerve / metabolism
  • Sciatic Nerve / surgery

Substances

  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I
  • Receptor, IGF Type 1