Extraocular motoneurons of the adult rat show higher levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptor Flk-1 than other cranial motoneurons

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0178616
• Publication Date: 2017-06-01T17:49:50Z
• Authors: Silvia Silva-Hucha; Rosendo G. Hernández; Beatriz Benítez-T...; Ángel M. Pastor; Rosa R. de la Cruz; Sara Morcuende
• Keywords: Motor Neurons; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Science; Q; Blotting, Western; R; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2; Rats; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Medicine; Animals; Rats, Wistar; Research Article; Brain Stem

Recent studies show a relationship between the deficit of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and motoneuronal degeneration, such as that occurring in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). VEGF delivery protects motoneurons from cell death delayed neurodegeneration animal models ALS. Strikingly, extraocular lesser vulnerability to ALS compared other cranial or spinal motoneurons. Therefore, present study investigates possible differences its main receptor VEGFR-2 Flk-1 non-extraocular brainstem We performed immunohistochemistry Western blot determine presence rat located three motor nuclei (abducens, trochlear oculomotor) compare it observed two (hypoglossal facial) are vulnerable degeneration. Extraocular presented higher amounts than motoneurons, thus these molecules could be participating their resistance neurodegeneration. In conclusion, we hypothesize availability signaling contributing different susceptibility when with neurodegenerative diseases.