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Plasma membrane calcium ATPase expression in the rat spinal cord
Toshiya Tachibana1, Hiroyuki Ogura, Atsushi Tokunaga
1Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Hyogo 663-8501, Japan.
Brain Research. Molecular Brain Research
|November 9, 2004
Summary
Plasma membrane calcium-ATPase (PMCA) pumps regulate intracellular calcium. Following spinal cord injury (SCI), PMCA2 expression significantly decreased, potentially worsening secondary injury by increasing calcium levels.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Plasma membrane calcium-ATPase (PMCA) pumps maintain low intracellular calcium levels.
- PMCA isoforms exhibit distinct cellular localization and functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression patterns of PMCA isoforms (1-4) in rat spinal cord tissues.
- To examine changes in PMCA isoform expression following contusion-induced spinal cord injury (SCI).
Main Methods:
- In situ hybridization, RT-PCR, and immunohistochemistry were used to analyze PMCA mRNA and protein expression.
- Rats underwent either a weight-drop contusion injury or sham surgery.
- Spinal cord tissues were collected at 3 and 24 hours post-injury.
Main Results:
- PMCA1-4 mRNAs were detected in spinal cord neurons.
- Distinct expression patterns were observed for PMCA1-4 proteins in the gray matter.
- PMCA2 expression significantly decreased 3 and 24 hours after SCI.
- Other PMCA isoforms showed a trend of decreased expression, but not statistically significant.
Conclusions:
- Differential expression of PMCA isoforms suggests specialized roles in the spinal cord.
- Reduced PMCA2 expression post-SCI may contribute to elevated intracellular calcium and secondary injury.
- PMCA pumps are implicated in the pathophysiology of spinal cord injury.