Expression of hepatocyte growth factor receptor c-Met in spinal cord and dorsal root ganglion after sciatic nerve injury in rats

Objective To observe the expression changes of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor c-Met in spinal cord and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) after sciatic nerve injury. Methods The sciatic nerve ligation was made in 42 SD rats. On day 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 21 and 28 after ligation, the expression of c-Met was detected by immunohistochemical method and image analysis technique. Results c-Met in DRG increased at day 5 after sciatic nerve ligation, peaked at 7-14 d, and gradually returned to normal level. No changes of immuno-positive production in spinal ventral horn after injury were observed, but the immnuno-positive area of spinal dorsal horn increased at 5 d, peaked at 7-14 d, then down to normal level. Conclusion c-Met may be involved in the course of nerve regeneration following peripheral nerve ligation.