# ROLE OF NON-NEURONAL CELLS IN CNS FORMATION & INJURY

> **NIH NIH R01** · ALLEGHENY UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES · 1991 · $182,984

## Abstract

The experiments outlined in this proposal will investigate the resolution
of cell death after damage to the central nervous system, i.e., the
process in which dying neurons are targeted and removed by phagocytic
cells.  Microscopic studies are proposed after visual cortex lesions in
both developing and mature rats in order to define the cellular
participants in this processes with regard to the type of nonneuronal
cell (macrophage, microglia) that targets the degenerating neuron.  Such
a study, which applies electron microscopic immunocytochemical, and
immunohistochemical procedures, is expected to give insight into the
differences in the efficiency by which cell death is resolved in the
developing versus mature visual system.  We will also determine the type
of cell death (apoptotic or necrotic) displayed by axotomized dorsal
lateral geniculate neurons, because this may provide important clues as
to the nature of the signals that emanate from the dying cells to attract
phagocytic cells and trigger phagocytosis.  These signals will then be
more directly investigated in a controlled in vitro environment.
Diffusible agents will be identified and initially characterized using a
sensitive two-chamber chemotactic assay in which thalamic slices
(containing dLGN neurons in various stages of degeneration) are presented
to either resident or circulating macrophages.  Membrane-mediated
responses of macrophages to injured neurons are also indicated after
lesions to the CNS and these will be investigated using specific binding
assays.  It is hoped that these studies will provide basic information
about an important component of the CNS response to lesions and thereby
complement a rational therapeutic strategy aimed at recovery of function.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3122458
- **Project number:** 1R01AG010560-01
- **Recipient organization:** ALLEGHENY UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES
- **Principal Investigator:** PAT LEVITT
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1991
- **Award amount:** $182,984
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 1991-08-15 → 1994-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3122458

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3122458, ROLE OF NON-NEURONAL CELLS IN CNS FORMATION & INJURY (1R01AG010560-01). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3122458. Licensed CC0.

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