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

肌萎缩性侧索硬化症（ALS）以成人发病的进行性运动神经元变性为特征。最近，在一些转基因ALS小鼠中已经报道了血脊髓屏障的破坏。在这里，我们检查了ALS大鼠模型中可能的微血管再生。运动神经元疾病发生后，多次免疫组化显示微血管内皮细胞显著增殖。此外，鞘内灌注一种血管生成因子可显著促进有症状的ALS大鼠血管生成并保护运动神经元。因此，微血管系统可能被认为是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.