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Focal Cerebral Ischemia Model by Endovascular Suture Occlusion of the Middle Cerebral Artery in the Rat
Published on: February 5, 2011
Expression of myelencephalon-specific protease in transient middle cerebral artery occlusion model of rat brain
Atsushi Uchida1, Yuichi Oka, Mineyoshi Aoyama
1Department of Neurosurgery and Restorative Neuroscience, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Mizuho, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan.
Abstract:
Myelencephalon-specific protease (MSP) is one of the serine proteases and is expressed in the central nervous system of rats. Its function and alternation in brain injury have not yet been clarified. In this study, we investigated the expression of MSP after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. In situ localization of MSP mRNA demonstrated a higher level in the corpus callosum and around the ischemic area from 12 h to 14 days after MCA reperfusion, with the peak of expression coming 3 days after reperfusion in both regions. Immunohistochemically, the expression of protein was found 1 day after reperfusion in the same brain region that was observed for mRNA. The peak was 7 days after reperfusion in both regions. Micro-autoradiography, immunostaining and double immunohistochemical labeling revealed the expression of MSP to be located mainly in the oligodendrocytes. The present results indicate that MSP may be related to the turnover of the myelin-associated proteins and the extracellular matrix proteins after transient MCAO. The activation of MSP may play a role in remodeling processes such as neurite outgrowth and remyelination.
Insights
Myelencephalon-specific protease (MSP) expression increases in rat brains after ischemic stroke. This serine protease, found in oligodendrocytes, may aid in repairing myelin and extracellular matrix after injury.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Myelencephalon-specific protease (MSP), a serine protease, is present in the central nervous system.
- The precise function and changes in MSP expression following brain injury remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression patterns of MSP in the brain subsequent to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO).
- To elucidate the cellular localization and potential role of MSP in the context of ischemic brain injury.
Main Methods:
- In situ hybridization to detect MSP mRNA.
- Immunohistochemistry and micro-autoradiography to identify MSP protein and its cellular location.
- Double immunohistochemical labeling for co-localization studies.
Main Results:
- MSP mRNA and protein levels were elevated in the corpus callosum and peri-infarct regions after MCAO, peaking at 3 and 7 days post-reperfusion, respectively.
- MSP expression was primarily localized to oligodendrocytes.
- Results suggest MSP is involved in myelin-associated and extracellular matrix protein turnover.
Conclusions:
- MSP expression is upregulated following ischemic stroke in rats.
- MSP, predominantly expressed in oligodendrocytes, likely contributes to post-stroke remodeling processes, including neurite outgrowth and remyelination.
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