Stability of gene expression in postmortem brain revealed by cDNA gene array analysis.
We utilized nylon arrays to measure gene expression in mouse brains after various postmortem intervals (PMIs). Gene expression after overnight refrigeration or 4 h at room temperature then overnight refrigeration correlated highly and approximately equivalently to that in brains processed immediately. After 8-24 h at room temperature and overnight refrigeration gene expression correlation and equivalency declined, but 90-95% of detected genes were within +/-40% of baseline levels. Brain homogenate pH did not change with PMI.
Trotter
Stacey A
SA
Center for the Study of Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
Brill
Louis B
LB
Bennett
James P
JP
D000818:Animals; D001923:Brain Chemistry / Q000235:genetics*; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000502:physiology*; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling; D051379:Mice; D020411:Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis; D011180:Postmortem Changes; D020871:RNA Stability / Q000502:physiology*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000737:chemistry*
D012333:RNA, Messenger