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Acidic fibroblast growth factor prevents death of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells following ischemia
1Department of Electronics and Computer Science, Faculty of Engineering, Toyama University, Japan.
Insights
Acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) protects hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells from ischemic injury in gerbils. Continuous aFGF infusion, administered before or shortly after ischemia, effectively prevents neuronal death, suggesting a vital role in neuronal support.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Ischemic Injury Research
Background:
- Ischemic insults cause neuronal death, particularly in the hippocampus's CA1 subfields.
- Acidic and basic fibroblast growth factors are recognized as potent neurotrophic factors supporting neuronal survival.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neuroprotective effects of acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) against ischemic neuronal death in the hippocampus.
- To determine if aFGF administration before or after ischemic insult influences CA1 pyramidal cell survival.
Main Methods:
- Continuous infusion of aFGF into the lateral cerebral ventricles of gerbils.
- Induction of ischemic insult.
- Assessment of CA1 pyramidal cell survival post-ischemia.
Main Results:
- Continuous aFGF infusion initiated 2 days before ischemia prevented CA1 pyramidal cell death.
- Delayed aFGF administration, starting 5 minutes post-ischemia, provided equal neuroprotection.
- aFGF demonstrated broad neuroprotective efficacy across various responsive neurons.
Conclusions:
- Acidic fibroblast growth factor plays a significant role in supporting hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells.
- aFGF exhibits potential as a therapeutic agent for mitigating ischemic brain damage.
- The findings suggest a physiological function for aFGF in maintaining neuronal health in the hippocampus and other brain regions.
Abstract:
Ischemic insult induces neuronal death in the CA1 subfields of the hippocampus which are designated generally as the most vulnerable brain region. Recent studies have shown that acidic and basic fibroblast growth factors are potent trophic factors that support the survival of neurons in many brain regions including the hippocampus. Here we demonstrate that continuous infusion of acidic fibroblast growth factor into the lateral cerebral ventricles beginning 2 days before ischemia prevents the death of the CA1 pyramidal cells in the hippocampus of gerbils. Furthermore, delayed continuous administration of acidic fibroblast growth factor starting 5 min after ischemia is equally protective. The results suggest a possible physiological function for acidic fibroblast growth factor in the normal support of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells and neurons in some other brain regions in considering the broad spectrum of responsive neurons.