2009 Fiscal Year Final Research Report
A possible role of angiogenesis in the spinal cord microvasculaturefor spinal motor neuroprotection in ALS
| Project/Area Number |
20790609
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| Research Category |
Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
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| Allocation Type | Single-year Grants |
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| Research Field |
Neurology
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| Research Institution | Tohoku University |
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Principal Investigator |
WARITA Hitoshi Tohoku University, 大学院・医学系研究科, 助教 (30400245)
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| Project Period (FY) |
2008 – 2009
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| Keywords | 神経変性 / 再生 / 血管新生 |
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| Research Abstract |
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by adult-onset progressive motor neuron degeneration. Recently, disruption of blood-spinal cord barrier has been reported in several lines of transgenic ALS mice. Here, we examined possible microvascular regeneration in an ALS rat model. After the onset of motor neuron disease, multiple immunohistochemistry revealed a significant proliferation of microvascular endothelial cells. Moreover, intrathecal infusion of an angiogenic factor significantly promoted the angiogenesis and protected motor neurons in symptomatic ALS rats. Therefore, microvasculature may be considered as a potential therapeutic target for ALS.
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