Changes in integrins αv and α5 with Nogo-A in the rat retina after optic nerve injury.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether integrin levels are associated with axon regeneration after central nervous system (CNS) injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: By using immunohistochemistry, we performed a detailed investigation of the changes in and colocalization of integrins αv and α5, with Nogo-A in the retina after optic nerve injury. RESULTS: We confirmed that integrins αv and α5 were expressed in the rat retina and colocalized with Nogo-A. After optic nerve transection, we found that integrin α5 levels increased over 7 days, but integrin αv levels remained unchanged, while Nogo-A levels increased. CONCLUSIONS: It seems that the inhibition of axonal regeneration by the Amino-Nogo-integrin signaling pathway may not occur via changes in integrin levels.