Changes in spinal GDNF, BDNF, and NT-3 expression after transient spinal cord ischemia in the rat

Previous studies have demonstrated that the expression of several growth factors including glial cell‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), brain‐derived growth factor (BDNF), and neurotrophin‐3 (NT‐3) play an important role in defining neuronal survival after brain ischemia. In the present study, using a well‐defined model of transient spinal ischemia in rat, we characterized the changes in spinal GDNF, BDNF, and NT‐3 expression as defined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunofluorescence coupled with deconvolution microscopy. In control animals, baseline levels of GDNF, BDNF, and NT‐3 (74 ± 22, 3,600 ± 270, 593 ± 176 pg/g tissue, respectively) were measured. In the ischemic group, 6 min of spinal ischemia resulted in a biphasic response with increases in tissue GDNF and BDNF concentrations at the 2‐hr and 72‐hr points after ischemia. No significant differences in NT‐3 concentration were detected. Deconvolution analysis revealed that the initial increase in tissue GDNF concentration corresponded to a neuronal upregulation whereas the late peak seen at 72 hr corresponded with increased astrocyte‐derived GDNF synthesis. Increased expression of BDNF was seen in neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. These data suggest that the early increase in neuronal GDNF/BDNF expression likely modulates neuronal resistance/recovery during the initial period of postischemic reflow. Increased astrocyte‐derived BDNF/GDNF expression corresponds with transient activation of astrocytes and may play an active role in neuronal plasticity after non‐injurious intervals of spinal ischemia. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.