In this study we examined the effects of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) on the progressive motor neuron disease in wobbler mice. After clinical diagnosis at age 3 weeks, mice received daily subcutaneous injections of IGF-I, or GAGs, or saline for 3 weeks. The histometric analysis revealed that biceps muscle fiber diameter was reduced in wobbler mice and that treatments with GAGs and IGF-I prevented such a drop. The number of atrophic small fibers was markedly reduced and that of the larger ones augmented. No effects on body growth and biceps muscle weight were observed. The combined AChE-silver staining revealed that both treatments promoted intramuscular axonal sprouting. The typical decline of grip strength in wobbler mice was also prevented. This study suggests that GAGs and IGF-I administrations can retard the onset of motor deficit, and reduce muscle atrophy in wobbler mice. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.
Effects of low doses of glycosaminoglycans and insulin-like growth factor-I on motor neuron disease in wobbler mouse / L. Vergani, C. Finco, A. DiGiulio, E. Muller, A. Gorio. - In: NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS. - ISSN 0304-3940. - 228:1(1997), pp. 41-44.
Titolo: | Effects of low doses of glycosaminoglycans and insulin-like growth factor-I on motor neuron disease in wobbler mouse | |
Autori: | GORIO, ALFREDO (Ultimo) | |
Parole Chiave: | Axonal sprouting; Heparin; Motor neuron degeneration; Muscle atrophy; Muscle strength; Nerve atrophy | |
Settore Scientifico Disciplinare: | Settore BIO/14 - Farmacologia | |
Data di pubblicazione: | 1997 | |
Rivista: | ||
Tipologia: | Article (author) | |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI): | http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0304-3940(97)00375-3 | |
Appare nelle tipologie: | 01 - Articolo su periodico |