Strong induction of activin expression after hippocampal lesion

Neuroreport. 1996 Jul 29;7(11):1819-23. doi: 10.1097/00001756-199607290-00026.

Abstract

We studied the temporal and spatial mRNA expression pattern of activin/inhibin beta A, beta B and alpha subunits after unilateral kainic acid lesions of the hippocampal CA3 region. We found a strikingly increased expression of beta A mRNA in the ipsilateral hippocampus 6-24 h after injury. By contrast, the beta B and alpha mRNAs were expressed at equally low levels in normal and injured hippocampi, suggesting that the beta A transcripts give rise to activin A, but not to activin AB or inhibin. In situ hybridization demonstrated the presence of beta A mRNA in neurones near the site of lesion. Expression of all known types of activin receptors could be demonstrated in normal and injured hippocampi by RT-PCR. These findings suggest a role of activin in brain injury.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Activins
  • Animals
  • Brain Injuries / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Hippocampus / metabolism*
  • In Situ Hybridization
  • Inhibins / metabolism*
  • Kainic Acid / pharmacology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism

Substances

  • RNA, Messenger
  • Activins
  • Inhibins
  • Kainic Acid