Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2012, Vol. 16 ›› Issue (46): 8641-8646.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.2095-4344.2012.46.018

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Effect of nerve growth factor pretreatment on phosphorylated Tau protein expression in hippocampal neurons in Alzheimer’s disease rats

Ma Hui-ping1, Lü Xin-rui2, Shi Hong-yun3, Shi Zhen-xia2, Li Xin-chun1, Li Zheng4   

  1. 1Anatomy Room, Kaifeng Medical School, Kaifeng 475003, Henan Province, China
    2Physiology Room, Medical College of Henan University, Kaifeng 475003, Henan Province, China
    3The Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding 071000, Hebei Province, China
    4West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610000, Sichuan Province, China
  • Received:2012-02-26 Revised:2012-03-26 Online:2012-11-11 Published:2012-11-11
  • Contact: Li Xin-chun, Senior Lecturer, Anatomy Room, Kaifeng Medical School, Kaifeng 475003, Henan Province, China
  • About author:Ma Hui-ping, Associate chief physician, Anatomy Room, Kaifeng Medical School, Kaifeng 475003, Henan Province, China mhp05@126.com an,

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Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Nerve growth factor (NGF) can promote the differentiation of cholinergic neuron, determine the growth of axons and involve in the regeneration and functional recovery of injured nerve.
OBJECTIVE: To further validate the effects of NGF pretreatment on neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) and phosphorylated Tau protein expression in the hippocampal CA1 region of Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-like model rats.
METHODS: Male Wistar rats (3-5 months old) were randomly divided into control group, AD-like model group and NGF pretreatment group. In the AD-like model group, AD-like rat model was established by injecting okadaic acid into the hippocampal CA1 region. In the NGF pretreatment group, NGF was injected into the lateral ventricle of the brain in rats before okadaic acid was injected for establishing the AD-like animal model. The rats of the control group were injected an equal volume of dimethyl sulfoxide using the same method. The behavior changes of rats were observed by Morris water maze. Then, the NFT in hippocampal CA1 region was detected by improved Bielschowsky staining. Besides, the changes of phosphorylated Tau protein expression in the hippocampal CA1 region were observed by immunohistochemical and western blot methods.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Learning disabilities and memory deficits in the AD-like model rats were found. Compared with the control group, in the model group, there were more NFTs; in addition, the phosphorylated Tau protein expression was increased in the hippocampus. However, the above symptoms in the rats of the NGF pretreated group were improved obviously. These results suggest that NGF pretreatment can significantly improve learning and memory capabilities of the AD-like model rats, inhibit NFT formation and decrease the expression of phosphorylated Tau protein.

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