Figure 5.

Sema3A inhibits sprouting of SP-containing nociceptive afferents. Two weeks after coinjection of GFP/Ad with NGF/Ad (1:0.04 ratio), robust sprouting of SP-positive fibers within the dorsal spinal cord was apparent (A, B). Coinjection of Sema3A instead of GFP/Ad eliminated aberrant sprouting of SP-positive fibers(C, D). Quantification of SP-containing fiber in the right dorsal horn revealed a significant reduction of fiber growth by Sema3A expression (E). Values represent mean ± SD of six rats for each group. **p < 0.01, analyzed by Student's t test. Scale bar, 100 μm.