Induction of activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) by peripheral nerve compression.

Nuclear translocation of activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), used as a marker for neuronal injury, was studied by immunocytochemistry in sensory neurons in dorsal root ganglia and locally along the sciatic nerve after severe chronic nerve compression in rats. In compressed nerves (application of a narrow silicone tube), ATF3 immunoreactivity was seen in the nucleus of sensory neurons and in Schwann cells below the compression at two and four weeks. Removal of the silicone tube (decompression) at two weeks did not affect the number of ATF3-positive cell nuclei in dorsal root ganglia. No ATF3 immunoreactivity was found in undamaged nerves on the other side. Functional variables (toe spreading and muscle force) were impaired at two weeks, with partial improvement at four weeks. Nerve compression induces nuclear translocation of ATF3, a transcription factor associated with survival and regeneration of sensory neurons. The response is related to duration of compression and partly correlated to function.