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Published on: February 14, 2014
Type 2 interleukin-1 receptor mRNA is induced by kainic acid in the rat brain
A Nishiyori1, M Minami, S Takami
1Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Japan.
Abstract:
The in situ hybridization technique was used to examine the expression of type 2 interleukin-1 receptor (IL-1R2) mRNA in the rat brain following the systemic injection of kainic acid at a convulsive dose. The expression of IL-1R2 mRNA was not detected in any brain regions of the saline-injected control rats. 8 h after the systemic injection of kainic acid, weak expression of IL-1R2 mRNA was observed in the dentate gyrus and basolateral amygdaloid nucleus. At 12 and 24 h after the injection of kainic acid, IL-1R2 mRNA was markedly induced in various brain regions including the CA1 and CA3 fields of the hippocampus, dentate gyrus, basolateral amygdaloid nucleus, piniform cortex, claustrum, tenia tecta, arcuate hypothalamic nucleus, dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus, suprachiasmatic nucleus, tuberal magnocellular nucleus and supramammillary nucleus. In these regions, the signals of IL-1R2 mRNA were observed on likely neuronal cells. Around the mediodorsal thalamic nucleus and the paraventricular thalamic nucleus, dispersed intense signals were observed on the non-neuronal cells. In addition, the expression of the mRNA on the venules was observed at 12 h. The strength of signals significantly decreased by 48 h after the injection. These findings revealed the spatiotemporal induction of IL-1R2 mRNA in the rat brain following the systemic administration of kainic acid, which has shown to cause neuronal degeneration, suggesting the pathological roles of IL-1R2 in the brain.
Insights
Systemic kainic acid injection induces type 2 interleukin-1 receptor (IL-1R2) mRNA in rat brain regions. This expression, particularly in neurons and non-neuronal cells, suggests pathological roles for IL-1R2 in brain injury.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- The role of interleukin-1 receptor type 2 (IL-1R2) in the central nervous system is not fully understood.
- Kainic acid-induced seizures cause neuronal damage and neuroinflammation, providing a model to study brain responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the spatiotemporal expression of IL-1R2 mRNA in the rat brain after systemic kainic acid administration.
- To explore the potential involvement of IL-1R2 in kainic acid-induced brain injury.
Main Methods:
- In situ hybridization was employed to detect IL-1R2 mRNA expression.
- Rats were injected with kainic acid (convulsive dose) or saline (control).
- Brain tissue was analyzed at various time points (8, 12, 24, and 48 hours post-injection).
Main Results:
- IL-1R2 mRNA was not detected in control rats.
- Weak IL-1R2 mRNA expression appeared in the dentate gyrus and basolateral amygdala at 8 hours.
- Marked induction of IL-1R2 mRNA occurred in multiple brain regions, including hippocampus and hypothalamus, by 12-24 hours, primarily in neurons, but also in non-neuronal cells and venules. Expression decreased by 48 hours.
Conclusions:
- Kainic acid induces a specific spatiotemporal pattern of IL-1R2 mRNA expression in the rat brain.
- The induction of IL-1R2 mRNA in neuronal and non-neuronal cells suggests a role in the pathological processes following excitotoxic brain injury.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise functions of IL-1R2 in the injured brain.

