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Expression of myelencephalon-specific protease after cryogenic lesioning of the rat parietal cortex
Yuichi Oka1, Atsushi Uchida, Mineyoshi Aoyama
1Department of Neurosurgery and Restorative Neuroscience, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1 Kawasumi, Mizuho-cho, Muzuho-ku, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan.
Abstract:
The gene for myelencephalon-specific protease (MSP) is a member of the kallikrein gene family and in rats is expressed mainly in the central nervous system. Its function and alteration in brain injury have not yet been clarified. We examined the expression of MSP after cryogenic injury (CI) using in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting. Analysis of MSP mRNA by in situ hybridization revealed a higher level of expression around the cryogenic area than on the contralateral side at 2-7 days after CI, with peak expression occurring 7 days after CI. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated expression of MSP protein at 1 day after CI, in the same region in which MSP mRNA was observed, with peak expression again at 7 days after CI, in the area around the lesion. Double immunohistochemical labeling revealed that MSP was expressed mainly in oligodendrocytes. These results suggest that expression of MSP may be related to the turnover of myelin-associated proteins and extracellular matrix proteins after CI. The regulation of active MSP may be important in the physiological or pathological changes involved in remyelination or demyelination.
Insights
Myelencephalon-specific protease (MSP) expression increases in rat brains after injury, primarily in oligodendrocytes. This suggests MSP
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Myelencephalon-specific protease (MSP), a kallikrein gene family member, is primarily expressed in the rat 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 rat brain subsequent to cryogenic injury (CI).
- To elucidate the cellular localization and potential role of MSP in the context of brain injury and repair.
Main Methods:
- In situ hybridization to detect MSP mRNA levels.
- Immunohistochemistry to visualize MSP protein distribution and cellular localization.
- Western blotting to quantify MSP protein expression.
- Double immunohistochemical labeling to identify expressing cell types.
Main Results:
- MSP mRNA levels elevated around the cryogenic lesion from 2-7 days post-injury, peaking at 7 days.
- MSP protein expression was detected by 1 day post-injury, with peak levels also at 7 days around the lesion area.
- MSP was predominantly localized to oligodendrocytes in the injured brain region.
Conclusions:
- MSP expression is upregulated following cryogenic brain injury in rats.
- MSP's localization in oligodendrocytes suggests a role in myelin-associated protein turnover and extracellular matrix remodeling during injury and repair.
- Regulation of active MSP may be crucial for remyelination and demyelination processes.
