Age‑related differences for expression of the nerve‑specific proteins after peripheral nerve injury

Abstract

The effects of aging on axon regeneration currently remain unclear. In addition, the up-regulated expression of neurotrophic factors that occurs within one week of peripheral nerve injury has been shown to play an important role in the axon regeneration. To investigate the effects of aging on axon regeneration, the expression of nerve-specific proteins immediately after peripheral nerve injury were compared between young and aged mice. A mouse peripheral nerve injury model was prepared using the sciatic nerve compression method. In each group, Luxol fast blue staining and immuno-fluorescence staining were performed to assess the degree of Wallerian degeneration in the sciatic nerve, and to evaluate the expression of repressor element 1-silencing transcription factor (REST)