Erythropoietin Attenuates the Apoptosis of Adult Neurons After Brachial Plexus Root Avulsion by Downregulating JNK Phosphorylation and c-Jun Expression and Inhibiting c-PARP Cleavage

In the present study, the effects of erythropoietin (EPO) on preventing adult neurons from apoptosis (introduced by brachial plexus avulsion) were examined, and the mechanism was analyzed. Fifty injury rat models were established in this study by using micro-hemostat forceps to pull out brachial plexus root from the intervertebral foramen in supine position. These models were divided into EPO group (avulsion + 1000 U/kg subcutaneously on alternate days) and control group (avulsion + normal saline). C5-T1 spinal cord was harvested at days 1, 2, 4, 7, and 14. Compared with the control group, the apoptosis of spinal motoneurons was significantly decreased on days 4 and 7 in the EPO group, which was also approved by TUNEL examination results. The detection of p-JNK and expression of c-Jun and cleavage of cleaved PARP (c-PARP) were also examined by immunohistochemistry and were increased immediately at day 1, and peaked at day 2, day 2, and day 4 in control group, respectively. However, the amounts were decreased and delayed by EPO treatment significantly at the same time points. In conclusion, the apoptosis of adult spinal motorneurons was associated with JNK phosphorylation, c-Jun expression, and caspase activity, and EPO-mediated neuronal protective effect is proved by downregulating the JNK phosphorylation and c-Jun expression and inhibiting of c-PARP cleavage.