Neurodegenerative changes are prevented by Erythropoietin in the pmn model of motoneuron degeneration

Motoneuron diseases are fatal neurodegenerative disorders characterized by a progressive loss of motoneurons, muscle weakness and premature death. The progressive motor neuronopathy (pmn) mutant mouse has been considered a good model for the autosomal recessive childhood form of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Here, we investigated the therapeutic potential of Erythropoietin (Epo) on this mutant mouse. Symptomatic or pre-symptomatic treatment with Epo significantly prolongs lifespan by 84.6% or 87.2% respectively. Epo preserves muscle strength and significantly attenuates behavioural motor deficits of mutant pmn mice. Histological and metabolic changes in the spinal cord evaluated by immunohistochemistry, western blot, and high-resolution (1)H-NMR spectroscopy were also greatly prevented by Epo-treatment. Our results illustrate the efficacy of Epo in improving quality of life of mutant pmn mice and open novel therapeutic pathways for motoneuron diseases.