• Molecules and Cells
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• v.45 no.11
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• pp.846-854
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• 2022

Neurons make long-distance connections via their axons, and the accuracy and stability of these connections are crucial for brain function. Research using various animal models showed that the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the assembly and maintenance of neuronal circuitry are highly conserved in vertebrates. Therefore, to gain a deeper understanding of brain development and maintenance, an efficient vertebrate model is required, where the axons of a defined neuronal cell type can be genetically manipulated and selectively visualized in vivo. Placental mammals pose an experimental challenge, as time-consuming breeding of genetically modified animals is required due to their in utero development. Xenopus laevis, the most commonly used amphibian model, offers comparative advantages, since their embryos ex utero during which embryological manipulations can be performed. However, the tetraploidy of the X. laevis genome makes them not ideal for genetic studies. Here, we use Xenopus tropicalis, a diploid amphibian species, to visualize axonal pathfinding and degeneration of a single central nervous system neuronal cell type, the retinal ganglion cell (RGC). First, we show that RGC axons follow the developmental trajectory previously described in X. laevis with a slightly different timeline. Second, we demonstrate that co-electroporation of DNA and/or oligonucleotides enables the visualization of gene function-altered RGC axons in an intact brain. Finally, using this method, we show that the axon-autonomous, Sarm1-dependent axon destruction program operates in X. tropicalis. Taken together, the present study demonstrates that the visual system of X. tropicalis is a highly efficient model to identify new molecular mechanisms underlying axon guidance and survival.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.415-432
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• 2000

In mammals. axotomy of peripheral nerve leads to a complex. These events include swelling of cell body, disappearance of Nissl substance. Proximal and distal axon undergoes a variable deriable degree of traumatic degeneration and wallerian degeneration, respectively. Nerve injury may result in cell death or regeneration. Molecular changes include proliferation of Schwann cells, upregulation of neurotropism, neural cell adhesion molecules and cytokine. Also growth cone plays an essential role in axon guidance through interaction of cytoskeleton. We review cellular and molecular events after nerve injury and describe nerve regeneration and associated proteins.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.3-11
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• 2016

A nerve block is an effective tool for diagnostic and therapeutic methods. If a diagnostic nerve block is successful for pain relief and the subsequent therapeutic nerve block is effective for only a limited duration, the next step that should be considered is a nerve ablation or modulation. The nerve ablation causes iatrogenic neural degeneration aiming only for sensory or sympathetic denervation without motor deficits. Nerve ablation produces the interruption of axonal continuity, degeneration of nerve fibers distal to the lesion (Wallerian degeneration), and the eventual death of axotomized neurons. The nerve ablation methods currently available for resection/removal of innervation are performed by either chemical or thermal ablation. Meanwhile, the nerve modulation method for interruption of innervation is performed using an electromagnetic field of pulsed radiofrequency. According to Sunderland's classification, it is first and foremost suggested that current neural ablations produce third degree peripheral nerve injury (PNI) to the myelin, axon, and endoneurium without any disruption of the fascicular arrangement, perineurium, and epineurium. The merit of Sunderland's third degree PNI is to produce a reversible injury. However, its shortcoming is the recurrence of pain and the necessity of repeated ablative procedures. The molecular mechanisms related to axonal regeneration after injury include cross-talk between axons and glial cells, neurotrophic factors, extracellular matrix molecules, and their receptors. It is essential to establish a safe, long-standing denervation method without any complications in future practices based on the mechanisms of nerve degeneration as well as following regeneration.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.177-186
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• 1988

Degeneration of the axon terminals of mamillo-thalamic tract following the electrical coagulation of mamillary body is well known. In this study, the author investigated the ultrastructural alterations of neuropil components, initiated by terminal degenerations. Rats weighing approximately 250 gm were fixed on the stereotaxic instrument(David Kopf Inc., Heavy duty model), and NE 300 active electrode(Rhodes Med. Instr. Inc.) was introduced to the mamillary position of anterior 3.8 mm, lateral 0.5 mm, height 3.8 mm and lateral angle of $23^{\circ}$ according to De Groot's Atlas. Electric current of 20 mA was applied during 1 minute between active and inactive electrodes with Radio Frequency Lesion Generator(RFG 4, Radionics Inc.). Two hours, 2 days, 1 week and 2 weeks following the electrical coagulation of mamillary body, ipsilateral anterior thalamic nucleus was fixed in 1% glutaraldehyde-l% paraformaldehyde and 2% osmium tetroxide, embedded in Araldite mixture, cutted with LKB ultra tome V, stained with uranyl acetate-lead citrate and observed with JEOL 100 CX electron microscope. Observed results were as follows; 1. Degenerated mamillo-thalamic synapses were observed to form asymmetric axospinous or axo-dendritic types. 2. Terminal degeneration was not easily discernible at 2 hours interval after mamillary lesion, but following 2 days the terminal degeneration was apparent. 3. Postsynaptic spines, dendrites and even their cell bodies show edematic changes caused by the degeneration of postsynaptic counterpart. 4. Astrocytic territories, including perivascular processes forming glial limitans of blood-brain barrier, exhibit remarkable expansion. 5. Oligoglia and astroglia are actively engaged in the removal of degenerated elements. 6. Active forms of microglia were increased. 7. The observed results may represent typical ultrastructural alteration pattern within neuropil following the degeneration of certain input axon terminals.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.100006.1-100006.10
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• 2024

Nitric oxide (NO) serves as an evolutionarily conserved signaling molecule that plays an important role in a wide variety of cellular processes. Extensive studies in Drosophila melanogaster have revealed that NO signaling is required for development, physiology, and stress responses in many different types of cells. In neuronal cells, multiple NO signaling pathways appear to operate in different combinations to regulate learning and memory formation, synaptic transmission, selective synaptic connections, axon degeneration, and axon regrowth. During organ development, elevated NO signaling suppresses cell cycle progression, whereas downregulated NO leads to an increase in larval body size via modulation of hormone signaling. The most striking feature of the Drosophila NO synthase is that various stressors, such as neuropeptides, aberrant proteins, hypoxia, bacterial infection, and mechanical injury, can activate Drosophila NO synthase, initially regulating cellular physiology to enable cells to survive. However, under severe stress or pathophysiological conditions, high levels of NO promote regulated cell death and the development of neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, I highlight and discuss the current understanding of molecular mechanisms by which NO signaling regulates distinct cellular functions and behaviors.

• Medical Lasers
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.195-200
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• 2021

Evidence shows that nerve injury triggers mitochondrial dysfunction during axonal degeneration. Mitochondria play a pivotal role in axonal regeneration. Therefore, normalizing mitochondrial energy metabolism may represent an elective therapeutic strategy contributing to nerve recovery after damage. Photobiomodulation (PBM) induces a photobiological effect by stimulating mitochondrial activity. An increasing body of evidence demonstrates that PBM improves ATP generation and modulates many of the secondary mediators [reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), and calcium ions (Ca²⁺)], which in turn activate multiple pathways involved in axonal regeneration.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.60 no.4
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• pp.247-254
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• 2022

Vincristine (VCR) is a chemotherapeutic agent widely used in treatment of malignancies. However, VCR has a limitation in use since it commonly causes a painful neuropathy (VCR-induced peripheral neuropathy, VIPN). Inflammatory cytokines secreted by immune cells such as macrophages can exacerbate allodynia and hyperalgesia, because inhibiting the inflammatory response is a treatment target for VIPN. In this study, we investigated whether Trichinella spiralis, a widely studied helminth for its immunomodulatory abilities, can alleviate VCR-induced allodynia. Von Frey test showed that T. spiralis infection improved mechanical allodynia at 10 days after VCR injection. We further observed whether the difference was due to mitigated axon degeneration, but no significant difference between the groups in axonal degeneration in sciatic nerves and intra-epidermal nerve fibers was found. Conversely, we observed that number of infiltrated macrophages was decreased in the sciatic nerves of the T. spiralis infected mice. Moreover, treatment of T. spiralis excretory-secretory products caused peritoneal macrophages to secrete decreased level of IL-1β. This study suggests that T. spiralis can relieve VCR-induced mechanical allodynia by suppressing neuroinflammation and that application of controllable degree of helminth may prove beneficial for VIPN treatment.

• The Korean Journal of Zoology
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.194-202
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• 1992

This study has been performed to investigate normal synaptic organizations in the subesophageal ganglion and terminaiion of antennal receptor cells in the ipsilateral subesophageal gan91ion of Pieris rapae. The various normal synaptic organizations in subesophageal ganglion could be differentiated into the five types. The proximal removal of a left antenna resulted in the weakly-dark, semidark and dark degenerations in the type I bostons of the ipsilateral subesophageal ganglion. Therefore, it was concluded that the axon terminals of the receptor cells projecting from the antenna into the brain form the type 1 synapses together with the dendrites in the ipsilateral subesophageal ganglion.

• The Korean Journal of Zoology
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.28-34
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• 1990

The ipsilateral dorsal lobe of the brain one or two days after cutting a left antenna in Pieris rapae has been examined with electron microscope to investigate the connection of the receptor cells between antenna and dorsal lobe. The proximal removal of the left antenna leads to the weakly-dark, semidark or dark degeneration of antennal receptor tenninals in ipsilateral dorsal lobe. Therefore, it is concluded that some of antennal receptor cells which project into the brain terminate in ipsilateral dorsal lobe located immediately behind the antennal lobe.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.470-474
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• 2000

A Shih Tzu Puppy had clinical onset of anotexia crying and progression of neurological sings when enlargement of the cranial vault at 1 month old and died after showing clinical signs during 2 months period. Radiological and pathological examinations were performed. Radiological findings were homogeneous appearance of the calvaria with cortical thinning, loss of the normal convolutional skull markings and persistent fontanelles. Grossly enlargement of the cranial vault thinning of the bone and defective closure of the fontanelles were also observed. The entire subcortical area of the cerebral hemispheres with severe, dilatation of ventricles and cerebrospinal fluid(CSF) wits absent. There was parenchyma atrophy affecting chiefly in the white mater and the cerebral cortices, axon degeneration and necrosis and gitter cell infiltration in the whiter matter and the subependymal area. Mononuclear perivacular cuffing in the cerebrum and the pons was shown. Based on the radiological, gross and histopathological findings, this case was believed to have congenital hydrocephalus with nonsuppurative encephahitis. Possible etiology on the case is also discussed.