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. 2008 Feb 27;24(1):29–33. doi: 10.1007/s12264-008-1031-4

Changes of 5-hydroxytryptamine and tryptophan hydroxylase expression in the ventral horn of spinal cord

运动性疲劳后脊髓前角5 — 羟色胺和色胺酸羟化酶表达的变化

Chuan-Xiang Xu 1, Hong-Tao Liu 1,✉, Jing Wang 1
PMCID: PMC5552521  PMID: 18273073

Abstract

Objective

To investigate changes of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and its synthesis rate-limiting enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) in the ventral horn of spinal cord after exercise-induced fatigue, and to further discuss the mechanism of exercise-induced central fatigue at spinal level.

Methods

Sixteen healthy adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into 2 groups: exercise-induced fatigue group and control group. Immunohistochemical staining for 5-HT and TPH in the ventral horn were performed and analysized quantitatively. The mean optic densities of 5-HT and TPH positive fibers or terminals were measured by computerized image analyzer.

Results

Both 5-HT and TPH positive fibers/terminals decreased in the exercise-induced fatigue group. The immunohistochemical staining was weaker and the mean optic densities decreased obviously in the fatigue group compared with those in the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

5-HT and TPH in the ventral horn of spinal cord might be involved in exercise-induced fatigue.

Keywords: ventral horn, spinal cord, 5-hydroxytryptamine, tryptophan hydroxylase, exercise-induced fatigue, immunohistochemistry

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