Galectin-1 enhances astrocytic BDNF production and improves functional outcome in rats following ischemia.
Galectin-1, an endogenous mammalian lectin, has been implicated in a variety of CNS disorders. However, its role in cerebral ischemia is still elusive. In the present study, we investigated the effect of recombinant galectin-1 on production of astrocytic brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and functional recovery following ischemia. Endogenous galectin-1 was found to be markedly upregulated, paralleled with increased astrocytic BDNF production under ischemic conditions both in vitro and in vivo. Administration of galectin-1 significantly enhanced the expression and secretion of astrocytic BDNF in dose dependent manner. Moreover, rats subjected to photochemical cerebral ischemia showed reduced neuronal apoptosis in ischemic boundary zone and improved functional recovery after brain infusion of galectin-1 (1 μg/days, 7 days). These results suggest that induction of BDNF in astrocytes by galectin-1 may be a promising intervention to attenuate brain damage after stroke.
Qu
Wen-sheng
WS
Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China.
Wang
Yi-hui
YH
Wang
Jian-ping
JP
Tang
Ying-xin
YX
Zhang
Qiang
Q
Tian
Dai-shi
DS
Yu
Zhi-yuan
ZY
Xie
Min-jie
MJ
Wang
Wei
W
D000818:Animals; D001253:Astrocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000503:physiopathology*; D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D037483:Galectin 1 / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D015854:Up-Regulation
D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; D037483:Galectin 1