title: Real-time imaging of astrocyte response to quantum dots: in vivo screening model system for biocompatibility of nanoparticles.
abstract: Astrocytes are the principle macroglial brain cells. They are activated by different stressors and brain injuries. Quantum dots (QDs) can cause oxidative stress. This study shows a real-time imaging of primary cortical cultures and assessment of QD-induced activation of astrocytes in the brains of transgenic mice with the luciferase gene driven by the murine astrocyte promoter. This approach may be widely applicable for assessing the astroglia/tissue response to nanoparticles in live animals.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. dusica.maysinger@mcgill.ca
authors.forename: Dusica
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Maysinger
authors.forename: Maik
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Behrendt
authors.forename: Mélanie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lalancette-Hébert
authors.forename: Jasna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kriz
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001253:Astrocytes / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects*; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D003199:Computer Systems; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence / Q000379:methods*; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016716:PC12 Cells; D045663:Quantum Dots; D051381:Rats