TGF-alpha overexpression induces astrocytic hypertrophy after cortical stab wound injury.
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.
Isono
Mitsuo
M
Department of Neurosurgery, Oita Medical University, 1-1, Idaigaoka, Hasamamachi, Oita, Japan 879-5593. isonom@oita-med.ac.jp
Goda
Makoto
M
Kobayashi
Hidenori
H
Wu
Jan Lian
JL
D000818:Animals; D001253:Astrocytes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000473:pathology*; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D039481:CD11b Antigen / Q000032:analysis; D015870:Gene Expression; D005904:Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein / Q000032:analysis; D006984:Hypertrophy; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D016211:Transforming Growth Factor alpha / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics*; D014951:Wounds, Stab / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology
D039481:CD11b Antigen; D005904:Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein; D015850:Interleukin-6; D016211:Transforming Growth Factor alpha