γ-diketone peripheral neuropathy III. Neurofilament gene expression

L. A. Opanashuk, D. K. He, E. J. Lehning, R. M. LoPachin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

22 Scopus citations

Abstract

Evidence suggests the morphologic hallmark of γ-diketone neuropathy is axon atrophy and that this effect is associated with reduced neurofilament (NF) subunit protein content (Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2000;165:141-7). To investigate the mechanism of diminished NF content, subunit (NF-L, -M and -H) gene expression was quantified in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) of slightly affected and moderately intoxicated groups of rats exposed to 2,5-hexanedione (HD) at one of three daily dosing rates (175, 250 and 400 mg/kg per day). Results show that sensory ganglia from slightly affected rats exhibited no changes in gene expression, whereas at a moderate level of neurotoxicity, each dosing protocol was associated with small but significant reductions (approximately 20%) in mean NF subunit mRNA. This was not a generalized effect on expression of cytoskeletal components in sensory ganglia since tubulin message levels were not affected. Although the observed reduction in NF gene expression might be related to diminished levels of subunit proteins in peripheral nerve, the actual contribution is likely to be minimal. The magnitude of effect was small and did not correspond to the dose-rate dependent effect of HD on respective isotype proteins. The mechanism of γ-diketone-induced axon atrophy is unknown but might involve local changes in axonal NF phosphorylation and degradation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)215-220
Number of pages6
JournalNeurotoxicology
Volume22
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2001

Keywords

  • Distal axonopathy
  • Gene expression
  • Hexanedione
  • Neurofilament
  • γ-diketone

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience
  • Toxicology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'γ-diketone peripheral neuropathy III. Neurofilament gene expression'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this