Up-Regulation of Laminin B2 Gene Expression in Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons and Nonneuronal Cells during Sciatic Nerve Regeneration

A recent study in our laboratory showed that B2 laminin gene is expressed by all L4 and L5 dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons as well as by satellite and Schwann cells. Because the laminin B2 subunit has a domain that supports neurite extension in culture, the present study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that laminin B2 gene expression would increase during sciatic nerve regeneration. In situ hybridization was used to examine B2 laminin gene expression in L4 and L5 DRGs 28 days after creating and bridging a 10-mm sciatic nerve gap with an impermeable silicone tube. Overall there was a nearly threefold increase in DRG B2 laminin chain mRNA at this timepoint, a time when axons are known to show vigorous regrowth. Both neurons and nonneuronal cells contributed to this increase. These data suggest that an up-regulation of B2 laminin gene expression by DRG neurons and nonneuronal cells may play a role in peripheral nerve regeneration.