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ERK/MAP kinase is chronically activated in human reactive astrocytes.
1Department of Pathology (Neuropathology), University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville 22908, USA.
Neuroreport
|January 5, 2000
Summary
Reactive astrogliosis, a key brain injury response, involves the extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK/MAPK) pathway. This pathway is activated in astrocytes across various human CNS injuries, suggesting its crucial role.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cellular Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Reactive astrogliosis is a primary glial response to central nervous system (CNS) injury.
- The extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK/MAPK) pathway is a common signaling cascade activated by various transmembrane receptors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the ERK/MAPK pathway in reactive astrogliosis.
- To determine if ERK/MAPK activation is a consistent feature of astrogliosis in human CNS injuries.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was used to detect activated ERK/MAPK.
- Phosphorylation state-dependent antibodies were employed.
- Human neurosurgical specimens from various subacute and chronic lesions were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Intense ERK/MAPK immunoreactivity was consistently observed in reactive astrocytes.
- Activation was detected in diverse CNS injuries, including infarct, trauma, epilepsy, and PML.
- Neurons, oligodendroglia, and most inflammatory cells showed minimal or no activation.
Conclusions:
- Activation of the ERK/MAPK pathway is strongly associated with reactive astrogliosis.
- This pathway may be an obligatory component in the initiation or maintenance of astrogliosis.
- Findings suggest ERK/MAPK as a potential therapeutic target for CNS injury.