[Deficiency of water channel AQP4 aggravates NMDA-induced brain injury in mice]
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Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Induction of Paralysis and Visual System Injury in Mice by T Cells Specific for Neuromyelitis Optica Autoantigen Aquaporin-4
Published on: August 21, 2017
Wen-Zhen Shi1, Chun-Zhen Zhao, Xue-Qin Huang
1Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
Objective:
To evaluate the role of water channel AQP4 in NMDA-induced brain injury in mice.
Methods:
In AQP4 gene knockout (AQP4(-/-)) mice, brain injury was induced by microinjection of NMDA into the cortex. The injured area was determined by toluidine blue staining, degenerated neurons were detected by Fluro-Jade B staining, and increased blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability was evaluated by IgG immunostaining.
Result:
Compared with wild-type mice, AQP4(-/-) mice exhibited increased cortical lesion area, aggravated neuron degeneration, and increased BBB disruption after NMDA microinjection.
Conclusion:
AQP4 may play a protective role in NMDA-induced brain injury in mice.

