Calcitonin gene-related peptide staining intensity is reduced in rat lumbar motoneurons after spinal cord transection: a quantitative immunocytochemical study

The expression of Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) has been demonstrated in motoneurons of several species. We have investigated in adult rats the influence of transection of the spinal cord on CGRP immunoreactivity of motoneurons located below the section. Quantitative analysis has been performed with computer-assisted image analysis. As early as 48 h after the section, CGRP immunoreactivity is modified, and the reduction is maximal after one month. Then, both the number of immunoreactive cells and the intensity of staining increase until the 5th month. It is concluded that the expression of CGRP is under the influence of supraspinal afferents to the motoneuron.