Protective Effect of Glial Cell Line-derived Neurotrophic Factor on Spinal Front Corner Motor Neurons

Objective: To investigate the protective effect of glial cell line derived neurotrophic factor(GDNF) on spinal anterior corner motor neurons. Methods: The sciatic nerve was sectioned unilaterally and GDNF was suppiled locally to the proximal nerve stump using a single blind silicone tube. The specimen of L 5 spinal cord were taken at different time postoperatively and enzyme histochemical technique of ACP and CHE were conducted, image analysis of section using computer was applied. Results: Sciatic nerve section lead to obvious injury of the spinal motor neurons which showed a decrease in CHE activity and increase in ACP activity. Application of GDNF significantly improve the above mentioned enzymatic activity changes. Conclusion: GDNF plays a role in protecting the spinal anterior corner motor neuron against injury.