Changes in contralateral protein metabolism following unilateral sciatic nerve section

Journal Article · Thu Mar 01 00:00:00 EST 1990 · Journal of Neurobiology; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/neu.480210206· OSTI ID:6969506

Menendez, J A; Cubas, S C

Changes in nerve biochemistry, anatomy, and function following injuries to the contralateral nerve have been repeatedly reported, though their significance is unknown. The most likely mechanisms for their development are either substances carried by axoplasmic flow or electrically transmitted signals. This study analyzes which mechanism underlies the development of a contralateral change in protein metabolism. The incorporation of labelled amino acids (AA) into proteins of both sciatic nerves was assessed by liquid scintillation after an unilateral section. AA were offered locally for 30 min to the distal stump of the sectioned nerves and at homologous levels of the intact contralateral nerves. At various times, from 1 to 24 h, both sciatic nerves were removed and the proteins extracted with trichloroacetic acid (TCA). An increase in incorporation was found in both nerves 14-24 h after section. No difference existed between sectioned and intact nerves, which is consistent with the contralateral effect. Lidocaine, but not colchicine, when applied previously to the nerves midway between the sectioning site and the spinal cord, inhibited the contralateral increase in AA incorporation. It is concluded that electrical signals, crossing through the spinal cord, are responsible for the development of the contralateral effect. Both the nature of the proteins and the significance of the contralateral effect are matters for speculation.

• OSTI ID: 6969506
• Journal Information: Journal of Neurobiology; (USA), Vol. 21:2; ISSN 0022-3034
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
NERVES
BIOCHEMISTRY
PROTEINS
METABOLISM
AMINO ACIDS
BIOELECTRICITY
BIOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS
CARBON ISOTOPES
LABELLED COMPOUNDS
RATS
SCINTILLATION COUNTING
SPINAL CORD
TRACER TECHNIQUES
ANIMALS
CARBOXYLIC ACIDS
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
CHEMISTRY
COUNTING TECHNIQUES
ELECTRICITY
FUNCTIONS
ISOTOPE APPLICATIONS
ISOTOPES
MAMMALS
NERVOUS SYSTEM
ORGANIC ACIDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
RODENTS
VERTEBRATES
550501* - Metabolism- Tracer Techniques