Real-time imaging of astrocyte response to quantum dots: in vivo screening model system for biocompatibility of nanoparticles.
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.
Maysinger
Dusica
D
Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. dusica.maysinger@mcgill.ca
Behrendt
Maik
M
Lalancette-Hébert
Mélanie
M
Kriz
Jasna
J
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