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September 4, 2005
BUNIATIAN INSTITUTE OF BIOCHEMISTRY, YEREVAN;
Hypothalamic peptide analyzed, neuroprotection after hemisection
defined
Recent research published in the journal Neurochemical Research has
reported on the neuroprotective action of hypothalamic proline-rich
peptide-1 (PRP-1) at various time survivals following spinal cord
(SC) hemisection.
“The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the neuroprotective
action of PRP-1 produced by hypothalamic nuclei cells (nuclei
paraventricularis and supraopticus) following lateral hemisection of
SC,” wrote A.A. Galoyan and colleagues, Buniatian Institute of
Biochemistry.
“The dynamics of rehabilitative shifts were investigated at various
periods of postoperative survival (1-2, 3, and 4 weeks), both with
administration of PRP-1 and without it (control).
“We registered evoked spike flow activity in both interneurons and
motoneurons of the same segment of transected and symmetric intact
sides of SC and below it on the stimulation of mixed (n.
ischiadicus), flexor (n. gastrocnemius) and extensor (n. peroneus
communis) nerves,” the investigators explained.
“In the control group (administration of 0.9% saline as placebo), no
significant decrease of post-stimulus activity of neurons was
observed on the transected side by the 2nd week. This activity
strongly decreased by week 3 postaxotomy, with some increase on the
intact side, possibly of compensatory origin. No shifts occurred by
the 4th week.
“Regardless of the period of administration, PRP-1 increased neuronal
activity on the transected side, with the same activation levels on
both SC sides,” wrote the researchers.
They continued, “These data were confirmed by histochemical
investigation. PRP-1 administration, both daily and every other day,
for a period of 2-3 weeks led to prevention of scar formation and
promotion of the re-growth of white matter nerve fibers in the
damaged area.
“It also resulted in prevention of neuroglial elements degeneration
and reduction in gliosis expression in the lesion supporting neuronal
survival. Thus, PRP-1 achieved protection against ’tissue stress’,
which was also confirmed by the registration of activity on the level
of transection and restoration of the motor activity on the injured
side.?
“The obtained data propose the possibility of PRP-1 application in
clinical practice for prevention of neurodegeneration of traumatic
origin,” Galoyan and coinvestigators concluded.
Galoyan and colleagues published their study in Neurochemical
Research (Neuroprotective action of hypothalamic peptide PRP-1 at
various time survivals following spinal cord hemisection. Neurochem
Res, 2005;30(4):507-525).
For additional information, contact A.A. Galoyan, NAS RA, Buniatian
Institute Biochemistry, 5-1 Sevag Str, Yerevan 375014, Armenia.
The publisher’s contact information for the journal Neurochemical
Research is: Springer, Plenum Publishers, 233 Spring St., New York,
NY 10013, USA.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress