SR57746A: a survival factor for motor neurons in vivo.

SR57746A(1-[2-(naphth-2-yl)ethy]]-4-(3-trifluoromethyl phenyl)-1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridine, hydrochloride) is a non-peptide compound which has been shown to exhibit a wide range of neurotrophic effects both in vitro and in vivo. Here we examine the ability of SR57746A on axotomized spinal motor neuron death in the developing rat spinal cord. After postnatal unilateral section of rat sciatic nerve, there was approximately a 50% survival of motor neurons in the fourth lumbar segment (L4). Intraperitoneal injection of SR57746A for consecutive 14 days rescued motor neuron death but did not preserve the motor neuron diameter both on axotomy and non-axotomy side. These results suggest that SR57746A is a survival factor for motor neurons in vivo and may serve as therapeutic agent for damaged motor neurons.