1. Metallothioneins (MTs) are small metal-binding proteins. The genes that encode MT isoforms I and II are also induced by metal at transcription level. Commonly expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) their putative function is protection against reactive @entity26 species (ROS), however their role may not be restricted to this sole purpose. The physiological function of MTs in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) requires further investigation. 2. Examination of phrenic nerve cross-sections from @entity28650 and @entity27943 double knockout @entity19 ( @entity28650 , II KO) showed a significant reduction (P=0.0032) in the mean myelinated axons calibre compared to 129/Sv wild type (Wt) counterparts. 3. Analysis of the Gaussian spectra specifically attributes this atrophy to the large myelinated class (>or=4 microm) of axon considered selectively vulnerable in @entity4681 ( @entity4681 ). Supporting the results, these axons also showed increased irregularity in shape. 4. In conclusion, MTs directly or indirectly influence the radial equilibrium of large myelinated motor axons.

Atrophy of large myelinated axons in XXXX , II knockout @entity19 .

@entity19 :: ('10090', 'Species') :: ['mice'] @entity26 :: ('MESH:D010100', 'Chemical') :: ['oxygen'] @entity28650 :: ('17748(Tax:10090)', 'Gene') :: ['MT-I'] @entity4681 :: ('MESH:D016472', 'Disease') :: ['MND', 'motor neuron disease'] @entity27943 :: ('17750(Tax:10090)', 'Gene') :: ['MT-II']
@entity28650 :: (17748(Tax:10090),Gene) :: ['metallothionein-I']
