The Role of TNF-α in Cerebral Ischemia
Author Information
Author(s): Aida Maddahi, Lars S. Kruse, Qing-Wen Chen, Lars Edvinsson
Primary Institution: Lund University, Sweden
Hypothesis
Is the expression of TNF-α and its receptors altered in cerebrovascular smooth muscle cells following MCAO, SAH, and organ culture?
Conclusion
Cerebral ischemia and organ culture induce expression of TNF-α and its receptors in the walls of cerebral arteries, regulated via the MEK/ERK pathway.
Supporting Evidence
- Immunohistochemistry revealed enhanced expression of TNF-α, TNF-R1, and TNF-R2 in the walls of cerebral arteries after MCAO and SAH.
- Treatment with U0126 significantly reduced the enhanced expression of TNF-α and its receptors.
- Organ culture for 24 and 48 hours induced increased protein expression of TNF-α and its receptors in a time-dependent manner.
- Double immunofluorescence analysis showed that TNF-α and TNF-R1 were primarily located in the cytoplasm and cell membrane of smooth muscle cells.
Takeaway
When the brain gets hurt, a special protein called TNF-α increases in the blood vessels, which can help or hurt the brain depending on how it's controlled.
Methodology
The study used in vivo models of MCAO and SAH in rats, along with in vitro organ culture of isolated cerebral arteries, analyzing protein expression through immunohistochemistry and western blot.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in the selection of animal models and the interpretation of immunohistochemistry results.
Limitations
The study was conducted on rats, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to humans.
Participant Demographics
Male Wistar-Hanover and Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing approximately 300-420 g.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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