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The Correlation Among the Dynamic Change of Zn2+, ZnT-1, and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor After Acute Spinal Cord Injury in Rats

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Abstract

Zinc plays an important role in regulating the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor in nervous system, but the correlation among Zn2+, zinc transporter, and BDNF in spinal cord injuries (SCI) is not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of Zn2+, zinc transporter 1 (ZnT-1), and BDNF, as well as their correlation in spinal cord-injured rats. One hundred Wistar male rats were divided into two groups: sham-operated group (as control group) and model group. Spinal cord injury was induced in model groups by hemisection of T9 on the left side. Compared with the control group, the serum zinc levels in SCI model group were significantly decreased after surgery, but zinc concentrations in spinal cord were increased gradually. The mRNA levels of ZnT-1 and BDNF were significantly increased in SCI model group, and there is a positive correlation between them (Spearman rho = 0.381, P = 0.0204). The correlation found between BDNF and ZnT-1 allows us to speculate that these two factors may be physiologically co-regulated, which may provide an idea for the treatment of SCI.

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  1. Liaoning Medical University, Jinzhou, 121000, People’s Republic of China

    Yansong Wang, Xifan Mei, Li Zhang & Gang Lv

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  1. Yansong Wang
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  2. Xifan Mei
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  3. Li Zhang
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  4. Gang Lv
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Correspondence to Gang Lv.

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Wang, Y., Mei, X., Zhang, L. et al. The Correlation Among the Dynamic Change of Zn2+, ZnT-1, and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor After Acute Spinal Cord Injury in Rats. Biol Trace Elem Res 143, 351–358 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-010-8845-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-010-8845-4

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