Bursting the unfolded protein response accelerates axonal regeneration

Peripheral neuropathies refer to a group of conditions in which the peripheral nervous system(PNS)is damaged.These pathological state are are associated with weakness,pain,and loss of motor and sensory control.More than 100 types of peripheral neuropathies have been identified,with distinct symptoms and prognosis classified according to the type of damage to the nerves.Injury to peripheral nerves results in disabling loss of sensory and motor func-

Effect of Electro-Acupuncture on S-100 Protein Expression of Nerve Fibers in the Repair Process of Transected Sciatic Nerve in Rats

Objective： To observe the effects of electro-acupuncture on S-100 protein expression of nerve fibers on the regeneration process of transected sciatic nerve of rats, so as to explore the partial mechanism of electro-acupuncture treatment for peripheral nerve injury. Methods： Following rat＇s sciatic nerve transection, the nerve regeneration chamber model was established, then the rat was given electro-acupuncture stimulation at the frequency of 5 Hz and frequency of 100 Hz, and the immunohistochemical staining method and image analyzing semi-quantitative technique were adopted to determine the percentage of S-100 protein area, hence to observethe effect of electro-acupuncture on the repair process of transected sciatic nerve of rat and the S-100 protein expression. Results： Electro-acupuncture could significantly potentiate the S-100 protein expression of Schwann Cells （SC） in the repair process of transected sciatic nerve. At the 14th week, 17th week and 20th week after operation, the percentages of S-100 protein area were more obviously increased in 5 Hz electro-acupuncture group and 100 Hz electro-acupuncture group than in model group, with significant differences （P〈0.05）. Especially, the better effect was obtained in 5 Hz electro-acupuncture group. Judging from the dynamic treatment, it is very vital to be treated early. Conclusion： Electro-acupuncture is an effective method for the treatment of peripheral nerve injury, and its therapeutic effect is related to the improvement of SC proliferation.

Liquid metal as reconnection agent for peripheral nerve injury

This study demonstrated an unconventional way to cure peripheral nerve injury(PNI) with liquid metal gallium employed as the reconnection agent. In vivo experiments were performed, in which transected sciatic nerve of mouse was reconnected by liquid metal gallium.The nerve signals detected was found to be almost the same as those from the complete nerve, where the negative bursting firing caused by PNI was absent on the neural discharge curve after nerve-reconnection surgery. Meanwhile the atrophy tendency of gastrocnemius muscle was distinctly procrastinated according to the results of pathological examinations, which showed fibrillation potentials emerged immediately for mice with PNI but did not emerge until the third month for those received nerve-reconnection surgery. Furthermore, physical properties of gallium were studied, showing that its impedance was slightly influenced by the frequency of transmitted signal and the temperature, which confirmed the stability of gallium in future clinical usage. This technology is expected to perform well in clinical surgery for PNI and even central nervous system injury in the coming time.