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Thesis
Alterations of DA-related transcripts in A11 diencephalospinal pathways after spinal cord injury
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
Jul 2020
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00001409
Abstract
The A11 diencephalospinal pathways are the primary source of dopamine (DA) in the spinal cord. Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) often interrupts descending or ascending neuronal projections causing neuronal apoptosis or compromised function. Accordingly, we hypothesized that SCI alters mRNA levels of DA-related genes in A11 pathways. In this project, adult rats received a complete spinal cord transection at the 10th thoracic (T10) level. After 3 or 8 weeks, rostral (T5) and caudal (L1) spinal cord segments were collected to measure mRNA levels of DA-related genes, including tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), dopamine decarboxylase (DDC), D2 receptors and so on. In parallel, A11 neurons in the brain were isolated by laser microdissection and subsequent single-cell qPCR was employed to evaluate mRNA levels. Additionally, immunohistochemistry was utilized to assess the number of A11 DA neurons. The results showed a transient decrease in mRNA levels of TH, DDC, and D2 autoreceptors in the T5 spinal segment while mRNA levels of dopamine-[beta]-hydroxylase (DBH), D1 receptors, and several DA associated transcription factors did not change following SCI. Furthermore, axon degeneration below the lesion caused substantially decreased mRNA levels of TH and D2 receptors as well as a temporary decrease of DDC transcript in the L1 spinal segment. Histological analysis demonstrated that the number of A11 DA neurons did not change after injury, and similar mRNA levels of DA-related enzymes were detected in soma between groups. Thus, impaired A11 diencephalospinal pathways following SCI may transiently reduce DA production in the spinal cord rostral to the lesion.
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Details
- Title
- Alterations of DA-related transcripts in A11 diencephalospinal pathways after spinal cord injury
- Creators
- Shunyi Zhao
- Contributors
- Shaoping Hou (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- ix, 62 pages
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- College of Medicine; Pharmacology and Physiology; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991014695135004721