A possible role of angiogenesis in the spinal cord microvasculaturefor spinal motor neuroprotection in ALS

肌萎缩侧索硬化症(ALS)以成人起病的进行性运动神经元变性为特征。最近，在几个转基因ALS小鼠中发现了血脊髓屏障的破坏。在这里，我们研究了ALS大鼠模型中微血管再生的可能性。运动神经元病发病后，多重免疫组织化学显示微血管内皮细胞明显增殖。此外，鞘内注射血管生成因子显著促进了有症状的ALS大鼠的血管生成并保护了运动神经元。因此，微血管可能被认为是ALS的潜在治疗靶点。

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by adult-onset progressive motor neuron degeneration. Recently, disruption of blood-spinal cord barrier has been reported in several lines of transgenic ALS mice. Here, we examined possible microvascular regeneration in an ALS rat model. After the onset of motor neuron disease, multiple immunohistochemistry revealed a significant proliferation of microvascular endothelial cells. Moreover, intrathecal infusion of an angiogenic factor significantly promoted the angiogenesis and protected motor neurons in symptomatic ALS rats. Therefore, microvasculature may be considered as a potential therapeutic target for ALS.