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We have explored the possibility that the GABA system can influence the expression of FGF-2 in the spinal cord. The GABA agonist diazepam was systemically injected in adult rats, and the expression of FGF-2 was examined in the cervical spinal cord region between 6 h and 7 days post-injection. Results of nuclease protection assays showed increases in FGF-2 mRNA, starting by 6 h and returning to approximately control values by 3 days. There was an increase in the density of FGF-2 immunostained astrocyte-like cells between 6 h and 3 days. Results showing that diazepam up-regulates FGF-2 expression in the spinal cord suggest that GABA may promote neuroplasticity in concert with FGF-2.

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