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Plasminogen mediates an interaction between microglia and dopaminergic neurons
K Nakajima1, K Nagata, S Kohsaka
1Department of Neurochemistry, National Institute of Neuroscience, Tokyo, Japan.
European Neurology
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Microglia-secreted plasminogen (PGn) enhances dopamine neuron function and survival. This neurotrophic effect is mediated by PGn binding to a specific 45-kD receptor-like protein on neurons.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Neurochemistry
Background:
- Microglia are key immune cells in the central nervous system.
- Plasminogen (PGn) is identified as a secretory product of microglia.
- Dopaminergic neurons are crucial for motor control and are affected in neurodegenerative diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neurotrophic effects of plasminogen (PGn) on dopaminergic neurons.
- To identify the mechanism underlying PGn-mediated neurotrophic effects.
Main Methods:
- Primary cultures of rat mesencephalic neurons were used.
- Dopamine uptake and tyrosine-hydroxylase-expressing neuron counts were measured.
- Radioligand binding assays with 125I-PGn were performed on neurons and plasma membranes.
- Ligand blotting was used to identify binding proteins.
Main Results:
- Plasminogen (PGn) significantly increased dopamine uptake and the number of tyrosine-hydroxylase-expressing neurons.
- 125I-PGn showed specific binding to mesencephalic neurons, more so than other glial cells.
- A 45-kD protein in neuronal plasma membranes was identified as a binding site for 125I-PGn.
Conclusions:
- Plasminogen (PGn) exerts neurotrophic effects on dopaminergic neurons.
- These effects are likely mediated by the specific binding of PGn to a 45-kD receptor-like protein on neurons.