Morphological and biochemical changes of neurofilaments in aged rat sciatic nerve axons

• DOI: 10.1046/j.1471-4159.2003.02201.x
• Publication Date: 2005-07-28T21:33:56Z
• Authors: Atsuko Uchida; Tomoko Tashiro; Yoshiaki Komiya; Hiroshi Yorifuji; Takeo Kishimoto; Shin‐ichi Hisanaga
• Keywords: Neurofilament; Axoplasmic transport

Abstract We have made a detailed comparison of neurofilaments (NFs) in the axons sciatic nerves between young and aged rats. In rats, NF density was similar proximal distal nerve, but it became higher region nerve accordance with this morphological change, protein content decreased dramatically middle The ratio NF‐M to NF‐H rats lower than that at further nerve. analyzed transcription axonal transport proteins motor neurons spinal cord which are major constituents axons. Of transcripts subunits, mRNA particularly reduced Examination slow revealed rate for slightly faster slower A decrease both synthesis aging may contribute relative reduction rat Although relationship packing is not clear present, these changes NFs be associated age‐dependent degeneration diseases.