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Expression of BDNF in the Cortex and Hippocampus of Mice With Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion
Hyo-In Hwang1, Yoon Young Chung2, Hye-Kyoung Shin2
1Institute of Well-Aging Medicare & Chosun University & G-LAMP Project Group, Chosun University, Gwang-ju, Republic of Korea.
Background/Aim:
Stroke is a cerebrovascular disease with high mortality and disability, causing motor dysfunction and cognitive impairments. Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mouse models of ischemic stroke are used for identifying therapeutic targets. Ischemic insults to the brain alter brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in cortical and hippocampal neurons. In the present study, we investigated BDNF expression in the cortex and hippocampus of mice following MCAO.
Materials And Methods:
Monofilament sutures coated with silicone rubber were introduced into the common carotid artery and occluded middle cerebral artery. The filament was withdrawn for reperfusion after 0.5 h. BDNF protein expression was measured using western blot. Immunofluorescence was performed with anti-NeuN and anti-BDNF antibodies.
Results:
BDNF expression in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus was decreased one and three days after MCAO, compared to the control group (unoperated mice). BDNF was expressed in NeuN-positive neurons in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus and motor cortex of the MCAO and control groups.
Conclusion:
MCAO in mice reduced the expression of BDNF in mature neurons of both the motor cortex and hippocampus at one and three days after surgery.
Insights
Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in mice reduced brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in mature neurons of the motor cortex and hippocampus. This finding is crucial for understanding stroke
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cerebrovascular Diseases
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Stroke, a leading cause of death and disability, often results in motor and cognitive impairments.
- Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mouse models are vital for stroke research and therapeutic target identification.
- Ischemic stroke impacts brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in key brain regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of BDNF in the cortex and hippocampus of mice following MCAO.
- To determine the effect of ischemic stroke on BDNF levels in mature neurons.
Main Methods:
- MCAO was induced in mice using a silicone-coated monofilament suture.
- BDNF protein expression was quantified using Western blot analysis.
- Immunofluorescence staining with anti-NeuN and anti-BDNF antibodies localized BDNF expression in neurons.
Main Results:
- BDNF expression was significantly decreased in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus one and three days post-MCAO compared to controls.
- BDNF was detected in NeuN-positive mature neurons within the dentate gyrus and motor cortex in both MCAO and control groups.
Conclusions:
- MCAO in mice leads to a reduction in BDNF expression in mature neurons of the motor cortex and hippocampus.
- These findings highlight the impact of ischemic stroke on neurotrophic factor expression in critical brain areas.
