Figure 5. Gene suppression of SUR1 blocks expression of functional NCCa-ATP channels and improves outcome in SCI.
(A) Western blots for SUR1 in gliotic capsule from rats with infusion of scrambled ODN (Scr-ODN) or antisense ODN (AS-ODN) directly into the brain injury site for 10–12 days prior to tissue harvest. Also shown is densitometric analysis of Western blots from the same groups of rats (n = 3 per group). (B) Membrane potential of astrocytes from gliotic capsules of the same groups of rats as in A during application of Na azide to deplete ATP. Mean depolarization of 3 cells per group is shown. (C) Cord sections immunolabeled for SUR1, 1 day after SCI, from rats treated with i.v. infusion of scrambled ODN or antisense ODN. Scale bar: 0.5 mm. Also shown is quantitative immunofluorescence for the same groups of rats (n = 3 per group). ROI, region of interest. (D) Blood in cord homogenates, performance on angled plane, and rearing, 1 day after SCI, for rats treated with i.v. infusion of scrambled ODN or antisense ODN. Error bars indicate SEM. *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01 versus scrambled ODN.