Volume 16, Issue 3 (7-2012)                   IBJ 2012, 16(3): 132-127 | Back to browse issues page

PMID: 23023213


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Abstract:  
Background: Gap junctions composed of connexins (Cx) are functional in cell defense by propagation of toxic/death molecules to neighboring cells. Hippocampus, one of the brain regions with particular vulnerability to damage, has a wide network of gap junctions. Functional response of astrocytic Cx30 and neuronal Cx32 to hippocampal damage is unknown. Methods: We infused lipopolysaccharide (LPS) intracerebroventricularly (2.5 µg/rat) once daily for two weeks to create neuroinflammation. The mRNA and protein levels of the Cx were measured in the hippocampus after 1st, 7th and 14th injection by real-time PCR and Western-blot techniques. Results: A significant increase in Cx32 and Cx30 gene expression was observed after 7th and 14th injection of LPS with no significant change in their protein abundance. Conclusion: Transcriptional overexpression of hippocampal Cx30 and Cx32 could be an adaptive response to production of intracellular toxic molecules but it is not accompanied with post- transcriptional overexpression and might have no functional impact.
Type of Study: Full Length/Original Article | Subject: Related Fields

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