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Serum S100B protein is increased in fasting rats
Cristina B O Netto1, Sabrina Conte, Marina C Leite
1Dept. Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
Archives of Medical Research
|June 3, 2006
Summary
Fasting significantly increases serum S100B levels in rats, but not in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Fat cells release S100B when stimulated, indicating extracerebral sources impact serum S100B, cautioning against its use as a sole brain damage marker.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
Background:
- S100B, a calcium-binding protein, is primarily secreted by astrocytes.
- Elevated serum and CSF S100B levels are often linked to brain damage.
- The clinical significance of serum S100B is debated due to potential extracerebral production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of fasting on serum and CSF S100B levels in Wistar rats.
- To explore the role of extracerebral tissues, specifically fat cells, in S100B secretion.
Main Methods:
- Serum and CSF S100B levels were measured using ELISA in control and 48-hour fasted Wistar rats.
- S100B release from isolated epididymal fat cells was studied in vitro.
- Epinephrine was used to stimulate S100B release from fat cells.
Main Results:
- Fasting led to a significant >2-fold increase in serum S100B levels.
- No significant changes in CSF S100B levels were observed during fasting.
- Epinephrine stimulation induced S100B release from fat cells in vitro.
Conclusions:
- Extracerebral sources, particularly adipocytes, significantly contribute to serum S100B levels.
- Increased serum S100B during fasting is not indicative of brain damage.
- Caution is advised when interpreting elevated serum S100B as a marker solely for brain injury.