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Fig. 2.
Examination of GFP positive cells in sciatic nerves. After sacrifice, the left and right sciatic nerves were isolated and the longitudinal sections were visualized with fluorescence under a fluorescent microscope. The left and right sciatic nerves obtained from normal mice (Normal) were examined as a control. A representative micrograph is shown (n = 5). Bar length = 50 μm.
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Fig. 3.
Double-immunofluorescence study of GFP and vWF or VEGF. After sacrifice, the left sciatic nerves were isolated and the longitudinal sections were subjected to immunohistochemistry with FH535 against vWF (A) and VEGF (B). The signals of GFP, Dapi, and immunoreactivity were visualized with fluorescence under a fluorescent microscope. A representative micrograph is shown (n = 5). Bar length = 100 μm (A) and 50 μm (B).
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In conclusion, the administration of G-CSF promotes functional recovery in sciatic nerves after crush injury. The current study identifies bone marrow-derived CD34+ cells as a dominant cell subpopulation involved in G-CSF-mediated mobilization and deposition into injured sciatic nerves. G-CSF-mediated beneficial effects are associated with increased CD34+ cell deposition, VEGF expression, and vascularization/angiogenesis. On the other hand, G-CSF also exerts an immunomodulatory effect by suppressing the accumulation of macrophages at the injured nerve. Thus, the administration of G-CSF in short-term functional recovery in sciatic nerve crush injury involves a paracrine modulatory effect and a bone marrow-derived CD34+ cell mobilizing effect.