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Published on: December 28, 2014
Brain aromatase expression after experimental stroke: topography and time course.
H V O Carswell1, A F Dominiczak, L M Garcia-Segura
1Wellcome Surgical Institute, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, Scotland, UK. hvo1a@udcf.gla.ac.uk
Summary
Brain aromatase expression increases in specific brain regions following experimental stroke (MCAO). This localized increase, particularly in astrocytes, suggests a neuroprotective role for estrogen synthesis in stroke recovery.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Pathology
Background:
- Brain aromatase generates local estrogens, offering neuroprotection after neurotoxic damage.
- Previous research indicates elevated brain aromatase expression following neurotoxic insults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the spatial and temporal patterns of brain aromatase expression after experimental stroke.
- To determine the cellular localization of increased aromatase expression in the stroke-affected brain.
Main Methods:
- Experimental stroke was induced in ovariectomized stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats using middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO).
- Immunohistochemistry and double-labeling techniques were employed to assess brain aromatase expression and its cellular association.
Main Results:
- Aromatase expression significantly increased in the cortical penumbra/peri-infarct zones at 24 hours and 8 days post-MCAO.
- No significant increase in aromatase expression was observed at 2 hours or 30 days after MCAO.
- Double-labeling studies revealed that some of the elevated aromatase expression was associated with astrocytic processes.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first evidence of increased aromatase protein levels after MCAO.
- The peri-infarct localization and early time course of aromatase upregulation suggest a role in the acute phase of stroke.
- Aromatase's association with astrocytes indicates its potential to promote penumbral cell survival through local estrogen synthesis post-stroke.
