Differential expression of endothelin receptors in regenerating spinal motor neurons in mice

On day 4 after sciatic nerve crush injury, expression and localization of endothelin receptors ETA and ETB in the lumbar spinal cord were examined. Immunobistochemical staining with antibodies to ETA and ETB receptors showed cytoplasmic distribution of ETA receptors in motor neurons, whereas ETB receptors were localized in the perinuclear region. On the injured side of the lumbar spinal cord, when compared to contralateral, results demonstrated an up-regulation of ETB and a down-regulation of ETA receptors expression at the level of both mRNA and protein. These results suggest that ETB receptors may play a role in the regeneration of axotomized motor neurons. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.