We examined neuroprotective effects of an adenoviral vector encoding glial
cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (Ax-CAhGDNF) on the lesioned adult ra
t facial motoneurons. After facial nerve avulsion, animals locally injected
into the facial canal with AxCALacZ (adenovirus encoding beta-galactosidas
e gene) or AxCAhGDNF showed expression of beta-galactosidase activity or in
tense immunolabeling for GDNF in lesioned facial motoneurons, respectively.
The treatment with AxCAhGDNF after avulsion significantly prevented the lo
ss of lesioned facial motoneurons, ameliorated choline acetyltransferase im
munoreactivity, and suppressed the activity of nitric oxide synthase in the
se neurons. These results indicate that the adenovirus-mediated gene transf
er of GDNF may prevent the degeneration of motoneurons in adult humans with
peripheral nerve injury and motor neuron diseases. NeuroReport 11:1857-186
0 (C) 2000 Lippincon Williams & Wilkins.