Messenger RNA and protein expression of spinal cord hepatocyte growth factor after sciatic nerve injury

Objective To study hepatocyte growth factor(HGF) mRNA and protein expression in the spinal cord during regeneration after sciatic nerve injury. To investigate the mechanism of peripheral nerve injury. Methods Seventy-four Wistar rats were divided into three groups: a regeneration after nerve injury group (injury group), a sham injury group and a normal control group. Crash injury or sham injury was induced of the sciatic nerve on the right side of the animals in the injury group or the sham injury group by using forceps. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry techniques were used to detect HGF mRNA and protein expression in the spinal cord during the course of regeneration after sciatic nerve injury had been induced. Results Compared with the uninjured side, positive dyeing of cytoplasmic granules on the injured side of the spinal cord was obviously enhanced. Clearly enhanced hybridization signals were observed at the 3rd, 7th and 14th day after injury, especially at the 7th day. Enhanced expression of HGF protein began in the 1st week and peaked in the 2nd week after sciatic nerve injury, then began to descend. Conclusion Endogenous HGF mRNA production and protein expression increased, and it plays a protective role after peripheral nerve injury.