TGF-alpha overexpression induces astrocytic hypertrophy after cortical stab wound injury.

Abstract

To determine the exact role of TGF-alpha in glial activation after traumatic brain injury, we investigated the astroglial and microglial responses after cortical stab wound injury in TGF-alpha overexpressing mice. Adult male B6D2-TgN (MMTVTGFA) 29RjC transgenic mice were used for the subjects. This transgenic line carries a TGF-alpha cDNA under the control of the dexamethasone-inducible MMTV promoter. Thus, exogenous administration of dexamethasone induces TGF-alpha overexpression. Male B6D2F1/J mice at the same age served as wild-type animals. After the cortical stab wound injury, expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein, CD-11b and interleukine-6 were investigated immunohistochemically. The results indicate that TGF-alpha might affect astrocytic hypertrophy without affecting microgliosis not only in the normal condition, but also in the pathological condition. Moreover, overexpression of TGF-alpha induced obvious expression of IL-6 around the lesion. This fact might indicate possible role of TGF-alpha in affecting neuronal function.

• Authors: Mitsuo Isono, Makoto Goda, Hidenori Kobayashi, Jan Lian Wu
• Journal: Neurological research (Neurol Res) Vol. 25 Issue 5 Pg. 546-50 (Jul 2003) ISSN: 0161-6412 [Print] England
• PMID: 12866207 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• CD11b Antigen
• Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein
• Interleukin-6
• Transforming Growth Factor alpha

Topics

• Animals
• Astrocytes (chemistry, pathology)
• Brain Injuries (pathology, physiopathology)
• CD11b Antigen (analysis)
• Gene Expression
• Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (analysis)
• Hypertrophy
• Interleukin-6 (analysis)
• Male
• Mice
• Mice, Transgenic
• Transforming Growth Factor alpha (analysis, genetics)
• Wounds, Stab (pathology, physiopathology)