Axonal regenerative potential of GM-CSF in C57BL/6 mouse peripheral nerve

• Grant number: 16/03094-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2016
• End date: August 31, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Immunology
• Principal Investigator: André Luis Bombeiro
• Grantee: Bruna Toledo Nunes Pereira
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biologia (IB). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Peripheral nerve injury leads to disruption of the nerve and interruption of impulse transmission. However, if the perineurium surrounding the lesion is preserved, axonal regeneration following degeneration of the distal stump, a process named Wallerian degeneration, is possible. Participation of Schwann cells in myelin debris removal is an important step because axonal growth inhibitors are found in myelin. Additionally, tissue clearance is largely improved by macrophages and other infiltrating immune cells. In view of the role of the immune system in nerve regenerative process, we will boost the immune response by administrating the granulocyte and macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in mice that were previously submitted to sciatic nerve crushing. In this way, we aim at increasing production and influx of monocytes in the lesion area and thus accelerate the regenerative process. By histological approaches, we will evaluate the presence of macrophages in the nerve as well as its current regenerative stage, via axonal markers and growth associated protein imunolabelling. Motor recovery will also be followed up. We believe that this study will bring new perspectives regarding immune system interventions in the peripheral nerve regenerative process.

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

BOMBEIRO, ANDRE LUIS; NUNES PEREIRA, BRUNA TOLEDO; RODRIGUES DE OLIVEIRA, ALEXANDRE LEITE. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor improves mouse peripheral nerve regeneration following sciatic nerve crush. European Journal of Neuroscience, v. 48, n. 5, p. 2152-2164, SEP 2018. (14/06892-3, 16/03094-4)