The long term objective of this research is to develop a model of spinal cord plasticity using nerve growth factor. This neuronotrophin appears to act selectively on nociceptive afferents that are responsible for signalling damage to the skin. The experiments will make use of electrophysiological, anatomical and behavioral methods to investigate various aspects of this plasticity in rats. Several hypotheses will be investigated, including a) the possibility that nociceptive afferents require NCF in a postnatal critical period and that deprivation from NGF results in conversion of these afferents to low threshold mechanoreceptors; b) that such conversion results in changes in spinal projection of these afferents; c) that behavioral hyperalgesia observed in NGF-treated adults results from changes in spinal projection systems, particularly those involving certain amino acid (NMDA) receptors; and d) that reinnervation of nociceptors in adults requires NCF. Experimental design involves examining the effects of NGF and its antibody on sensory neurons (identified physiologically or anatomically), on identified spinal neurons and circuits, and on certain behavioral responses to natural and electrical stimulation. Animals treated with NGF or anti-NGF will be compared to each other and to age-matched untreated controls. The health- related significance of these experiments derives from the need to have further basic information concerning the capacity of the adult nervous system to modify its connectivity after injury, and to document the ability of naturally-occurring biological agents such as NGF to regulate this plasticity. Furthermore, NGF is a candidate to promote regeneration of certain neuronal types after injury, and it is necessary to ascertain its functional effects on the mammalian spinal cord in vivo.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
3R01NS032264-05S1
Application #
6055092
Study Section
Neurological Sciences Subcommittee 1 (NLS)
Program Officer
Kitt, Cheryl A
Project Start
1994-01-01
Project End
1999-11-30
Budget Start
1998-05-01
Budget End
1999-11-30
Support Year
5
Fiscal Year
1999
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
State University New York Stony Brook
Department
Other Basic Sciences
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
804878247
City
Stony Brook
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
11794
Arvanian, V L; Mendell, L M (2001) Acute modulation of synaptic transmission to motoneurons by BDNF in the neonatal rat spinal cord. Eur J Neurosci 14:1800-8
Arvanian, V L; Mendell, L M (2001) Removal of NMDA receptor Mg(2+) block extends the action of NT-3 on synaptic transmission in neonatal rat motoneurons. J Neurophysiol 86:123-9
Arvanov, V L; Seebach, B S; Mendell, L M (2000) NT-3 evokes an LTP-like facilitation of AMPA/kainate receptor-mediated synaptic transmission in the neonatal rat spinal cord. J Neurophysiol 84:752-8
Shu, X; Mendell, L M (1999) Nerve growth factor acutely sensitizes the response of adult rat sensory neurons to capsaicin. Neurosci Lett 274:159-62
Mendell, L M; Munson, J B (1999) Retrograde effects on synaptic transmission at the Ia/motoneuron connection. J Physiol Paris 93:297-304
Belyantseva, I A; Lewin, G R (1999) Stability and plasticity of primary afferent projections following nerve regeneration and central degeneration. Eur J Neurosci 11:457-68
Mendell, L M; Albers, K M; Davis, B M (1999) Neurotrophins, nociceptors, and pain. Microsc Res Tech 45:252-61
Shu, X Q; Mendell, L M (1999) Neurotrophins and hyperalgesia. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 96:7693-6
Mendell, L M (1999) Neurotrophin action on sensory neurons in adults: an extension of the neurotrophic hypothesis. Pain Suppl 6:S127-32
Shu, X Q; Llinas, A; Mendell, L M (1999) Effects of trkB and trkC neurotrophin receptor agonists on thermal nociception: a behavioral and electrophysiological study. Pain 80:463-70

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