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C-fos mRNA expression following electrical-induced seizure and acute nociceptive stress in mouse brain
T Nakajima1, J L Daval, C H Gleiter
1Biological Psychiatry Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD 20892.
Abstract:
A single electroconvulsive shock (ECS) induced a rapid and transient expression of c-fos mRNA in mouse brain. In earclipped sham controls, low but significant expression of c-fos mRNA was also observed. These data suggest that c-fos mRNA may be transiently induced by seizure activity as well as much more subtle and qualitative different stimuli, such as the acute nociceptive stress associated with earclipping.
Insights
A single electroconvulsive shock (ECS) rapidly induced c-fos mRNA in mouse brains. This gene expression was also seen in sham controls, suggesting subtle stimuli like earclipping can trigger it.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The c-fos gene is an immediate-early gene often used as a marker for neuronal activity.
- Understanding the stimuli that induce c-fos expression is crucial for studying brain responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the induction of c-fos mRNA following electroconvulsive shock (ECS) in the mouse brain.
- To compare the effects of ECS with a milder stressor, earclipping, on c-fos mRNA expression.
Main Methods:
- Mice were subjected to a single electroconvulsive shock (ECS) or sham procedure (earclipping).
- Brain tissue was analyzed for the expression of c-fos mRNA using molecular techniques.
Main Results:
- A single ECS rapidly and transiently increased c-fos mRNA expression in the mouse brain.
- Earclipping, a sham control, also induced low but significant levels of c-fos mRNA.
Conclusions:
- c-fos mRNA can be induced by significant neuronal activity, such as seizures from ECS.
- Subtler stimuli, including the acute nociceptive stress of earclipping, can also transiently induce c-fos mRNA expression.