Elevated cathepsin D expression in kainate-evoked rat brain neurodegeneration.
Expression patterns of cathepsin D (lysosomal aspartic protease) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP, a marker of reactive astroglia) were determined by Northern blot analysis and immunohistochemistry in the rat brain during neurodegeneration accompanying kainate-evoked seizures. The level of cathepsin D mRNA in the hippocampus, limbic cortex, and temporo-parieto-occipital neocortex was shown to increase, starting at 6 h after kainate treatment, and reaching peak values at 3-7 days after the neurotoxin administration. A similar time course of elevated accumulation was noted for GFAP mRNA in these structures. Immunohistochemical analysis performed 3 days after kainate treatment showed that the increased cathepsin D levels were confined mainly to the degenerating neurons in the susceptible brain areas, while the elevated GFAP immunoreactivity was observed in reactive astrocytes. Although cathepsin D and GFAP expression levels were elevated by kainate administration, their expression patterns revealed significant differences with regard to both intensity and site of induction.
Hetman
M
M
Tissue Culture Unit, Nencki Institute, Warsaw, Poland.
Filipkowski
R K
RK
Domagala
W
W
Kaczmarek
L
L
D000818:Animals; D015152:Blotting, Northern; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism*; D002402:Cathepsin D / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000276:immunology; D005904:Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein / Q000235:genetics; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007608:Kainic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology; D008297:Male; D009410:Nerve Degeneration; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012640:Seizures / Q000139:chemically induced; D013997:Time Factors
D005904:Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D002402:Cathepsin D; D007608:Kainic Acid