Chronic effect of decreased activity in the form of spinal nerve ligation on KIF1B gene expression in male Wistar rat sciatic nerve fiber

Abnormality in motor proteins involved in axonal transport is one of the common signs of neurodegenerative disease. KIF1B is one of these motor proteins. Although there are several reports related to impairment of this protein and its gene expression in the central nervous system diseases, it is not clear whether decreased activity in the form of spinal nerve ligation changes KIF1B gene expression in the peripheral nervous system. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of decreased activity and neuropathic pain on KIF1B gene expression in sciatic nerve fiber of male Wistar rats. Ten adult male Wistar rats weighting 250±30 gr were randomly divided into two groups, control (C), and decreased physical activity (SNL). Neuropathic pain behavioral tests were performed in both groups for six weeks. After sixth weeks, KIF1B gene expression in sciatic nerve was measured using real time technique. Behavioral tests demonstrated that spinal nerve ligation induces thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia in the SNL group. This decreased pain threshold was seen in all stages of the study (P<0.05). Also, compared with the C group, KIF1B gene expression in sciatic nerve fiber was significantly lower in SNL group (P<0.05). Decreased activity in the form of SNL could be associated with neurodegerative signs such as hyperalgesia, allodynia, and decreased KIF1B gene expression. Given the physiological role of KIF1B in neurons, this condition may cause functional disorders in the neuromuscular systems.