Increases in ribosomal RNA within the denervated neuropil of the dentate gyrus during reinnervation: evaluation by in situ hybridization using DNA probes complementary to ribosomal RNA

Injury modality, survival interval, and sample region are critical determinants of qRT-PCR reference gene selection during long-term recovery from brain trauma

In the present study we examined expression of four real-time quantitative RT-PCR reference genes commonly applied to rodent models of brain injury. Transcripts for beta-actin, cyclophilin A, GAPDH, and 18S rRNA were assessed at 2-15 days post-injury, focusing on the period of synaptic recovery. Diffuse moderate central fluid percussion injury (FPI) was contrasted with unilateral entorhinal cortex lesion (UEC), a model of targeted deafferentation. Expression in UEC hippocampus, as well as in FPI hippocampus and parietotemporal cortex was analyzed by qRT-PCR. Within-group variability of gene expression was assessed and change in expression relative to paired controls was determined. None of the four common reference genes tested was invariant across brain region, survival time, and type of injury. Cyclophilin A appeared appropriate as a reference gene in UEC hippocampus, while beta-actin was most stable for the hippocampus subjected to FPI. However, each gene may fail as a suitable reference with certain test genes whose RNA expression is targeted for measurement. In FPI cortex, all reference genes were significantly altered over time, compromising their utility for time-course studies. Despite such temporal variability, certain genes may be appropriate references if limited to single survival times. These data provide an extended baseline for identification of appropriate reference genes in rodent studies of recovery from brain injury. In this context, we outline additional considerations for selecting a qRT-PCR normalization strategy in such studies. As previously concluded for acute post-injury intervals, we stress the importance of reference gene validation for each brain injury paradigm and each set of experimental conditions.

The effects of combined fluid percussion traumatic brain injury and unilateral entorhinal deafferentation on the juvenile rat brain

The current study was designed to address the effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) on plasticity and reorganization in the juvenile brain. Given that two of the major pathological sequelae of TBI involve a generalized neuroexcitation insult and diffuse axonal injury, we have employed models of these pathologies, delivered either independently or in combination, to examine their effects on injury-induced synaptic reorganization of the dentate gyrus in the developing rat. Postnatal day 28 rats received either sham, central fluid percussion traumatic brain injury (TBI), unilateral entorhinal cortical lesion (UEC), or TBI+UEC (TUEC) injury. Cognitive performance was assessed in the Morris water maze (MWM) between 11 and 15 days post-injury and the brains were processed for synaptophysin immunohistochemistry and routine electron microscopy. The MWM results revealed that TBI or UEC lesions delivered independently do not produce significant morbidity in P28 rats. However, when these injuries are combined, they reveal significant deficits in the MWM, accompanied by measurable changes in the distribution of presynaptic synaptophysin immunoreactivity over the deafferented dentate molecular layer. These observations are further supported by qualitative ultrastructural alterations in synaptic architecture in the same subregions of the dentate neuropil. The present findings show that the resilience of the immature brain following TBI is reduced when neuroexcitatory insult is combined with deafferentation. Moreover, when deafferented tissue is assessed morphologically, evidence exists for aberrant plasticity and abnormal synaptic reorganization in the juvenile brain.

Glycoprotein synthesis at the synapse: fractionation of polypeptides synthesized within isolated dendritic fragments by concanavalin A affinity chromatography

The synthesis of glycosylated proteins at postsynaptic sites was evaluated by combining metabolic labeling of isolated pinched-off dendritic fragments (synaptodendrosomes) with glycoprotein isolation by Con A affinity chromatography. Three major labeled proteins were detected (apparent molecular weights of 128, 42 and 19 kDa) along with seven minor polypeptides. Treatment of the glycoprotein fraction with N-glycosidase F led to shift in the apparent molecular weight of the bands. Also, label incorporation into glycoprotein species was blocked by tunicamycin. Thus, the three prominent polypeptides and most of the minor components of this fraction corresponded to bona fide N-glycoproteins. Incubation of synaptodendrosomes with cycloheximide also inhibited label incorporation into the isolated glycoproteins, indicating that the labeling resulted from local de novo synthesis. Subcellular fractionation revealed that the labeled glycoproteins were present in soluble and particulate fractions, mainly microsomes and synaptic membranes, and one of the species (42 kDa) appeared in the incubation medium, indicating secretion. In addition, these glycoproteins were dissimilarly distributed in several brain regions, and were expressed differentially during development, reaching their highest level of synthesis during the period of synaptogenesis. These results provide evidence for local dendritic synthesis of particular glycoprotein components of the synapse.

Studies of the relationship between ultrastructural synaptic plasticity and ribosome number in dendritic terminals in the rat neocortex in a cellular conditioning model

The relationship between structural changes in postsynaptic densities of axodendritic synapses and the sizes of postsynaptic ribosomal aggregations were studied. A positive correlation was found between the thickness of the postsynaptic density and the number of ribosomes. The role of dendritic mRNA and the possible mechanisms supporting rapid local protein synthesis during the modification of postsynaptic components is seen on combined administration of two neuromediators into the rat neocortex.

Subcellular localization of mRNA in neuronal cells. Contributions of high-resolution in situ hybridization techniques

The development of technologies for high-resolution nucleic acid localization in cells and tissues has contributed significantly to our understanding of transcriptional and translational regulation in eukaryotic cells. These methods include nonisotopic in situ hybridization methods for light and electron microscopy, and fluorescent tagging for the study of nucleic acid behavior in living cells. In situ hybridization to detect messenger RNA has led to the discovery that individual transcripts may be selectively targeted to particular subcellular domains. In the nervous system, certain species of mRNA have been localized in distal processes in nerve cells and glia. Direct visualization of mRNA and its interactions with subcellular features, such as synaptic specializations, cytoskeletal elements, and nuclear pores, have been achieved. Of particular interest is the presence of mRNA and ribosomes in dendrites, beneath synaptic contacts, suggesting the possibility of synaptic regulation of protein synthesis. The following article will describe the application of high-resolution in situ hybridization and live imaging techniques to the study of mRNA targeting in neurons.

Differential subcellular regulation of NMDAR1 protein and mRNA in dendrites of dentate gyrus granule cells after perforant path transection

Unilateral transection of the excitatory perforant path results in the acute deafferentation of a segregated zone on the distal dendrites of hippocampal dentate gyrus granule cells (i.e., outer molecular layer), followed by sprouting, reactive synaptogenesis, and a return of physiological and behavioral function. To investigate cellular mechanisms underlying NMDA receptor plasticity in response to such extensive synaptic reorganization, we quantitatively evaluated changes in intensity levels of NMDAR1 immunofluorescence and NMDAR1 mRNA hybridization within subcellular compartments of dentate gyrus granule cells 2, 5, and 9 d after perforant path lesions. There were no significant changes in either measure at 2 d postlesion. However, at 5 and 9 d postlesion, during the period of axonal sprouting and synaptogenesis, there was an increase in NMDAR1 immunolabeling that was restricted to the dendritic segments of the denervated outer molecular layer and the granule cell somata. In contrast, NMDAR1 mRNA levels at 5 and 9 d postlesion increased throughout the full extent of the molecular layer, including both denervated and nondenervated segments of granule cell dendrites. These findings reveal that NMDAR1 mRNA is one of a limited population of mRNAs that is transported into dendrites and further suggest that in response to terminal proliferation and sprouting, increased mRNA transport occurs throughout the full dendritic extent, whereas increased local protein synthesis is restricted to denervated regions of the dendrites whose afferent activity is perturbed. These results begin to elucidate the dynamic postsynaptic subcellular regulation of receptor subunits associated with synaptic plasticity after denervation.

Ultrastructural localization of dendritic messenger RNA in adult rat hippocampus

An ultrastructural examination of mRNA within adult rat CA1 hippocampal dendrites was conducted using two different methods. The messages for the alpha and beta forms of the calcium-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II were localized in ultracryosections using silver-intensified gold detection of isoform-specific oligonucleotide probes. Labeling for both isoforms was observed within the cell bodies and proximal dendrites of pyramidal neurons, but only the alpha form was observed in more distal dendrites. Unfortunately, the morphological preservation of the tissue was not sufficient to determine the localization of labeling relative to subcellular features such as dendritic spines. To address this issue, a preembedding peroxidase-based method was developed, resulting in better preservation of the neuropil. The total population of polyadenylated [poly(A)] mRNA was localized in hippocampus using a biotinylated poly(dT) probe. Poly(A) mRNA was present in the nucleus and throughout the cell body of all hippocampal cells and within isolated dendrites and glial processes within the neuropil. Within pyramidal neurons, labeling was distributed in a longitudinal pattern in proximal apical dendrites. More distally, the amount of labeling diminished, and smaller foci of labeling were observed, particularly near the plasma membrane. Concentrated labeling was present at the base of dendritic spines and, less frequently, near synapses onto the dendritic shaft. These results suggest that dendritic mRNA is found in the vicinity of postsynaptic sites and provide additional evidence that local protein synthesis may play an important role in establishing and maintaining synaptic specializations.

Dopaminergic regulation of progesterone receptors: brain D5 dopamine receptors mediate induction of lordosis by D1-like agonists in rats

To characterize the signaling pathway by which the neurotransmitter dopamine modulates progesterone receptor (PR) activation, the steroid-dependent behavior lordosis was used in estrogen-primed ovariectomized Sprague-Dawley rats with stereotaxic implanted third ventricle cannulas. Lordosis was observed in response to solicitous males in females after central administration of the D1-like agonist SKF38393 and three of its analogs (SKF77434, SKF75640, and SKF85174). In contrast, D1-like antagonist SCH23390 and D1-like/D2 repopulation inhibitor EEDQ blocked behavior inducible by the D1-like agonists. Further, antisense oligonucleotides to D5, but not D1, dopamine receptor mRNA suppressed reproductive behavior associated with D1-like stimulation. This finding provides strong evidence that dopaminergic modulation of lordosis is mediated by the novel D5 dopamine receptor. Although D1, but not D5, dopamine receptor mRNAs were detected in the ventromedial nucleus (VMN) by in situ hybridization, agonists microinjected into the VMN, but not into the arcuate nucleus or preoptic area, induced lordosis, suggesting the functional presence of D5 dopamine receptors in the VMN. Also in support, D5 receptor mRNA antisense microinjected into the VMN blocked the subsequent induction of lordosis by D1-like agonists. Finally, facilitation of sex behavior by D1-like agonists was blocked by the antiprogestin RU38486 and PR antisense oligonucleotide. Collectively, the data provide strong evidence for dopaminergic modulation of reproductive behavior through D5 dopamine receptor-mediated modulation of PR-dependent behavior in rat CNS.

Ultrastructural basis for gene expression at the synapse: synapse-associated polyribosome complexes

This review summarizes what is known about the protein synthetic machinery that is selectively localized beneath postsynaptic sites on the dendrites of CNS neurons. This machinery, made up of polyribosomes and associated membranous cisterns, allows a local synthesis of key proteins at individual postsynaptic sites.

Differentially expressed genes after peripheral nerve injury

In an attempt to identify genes associated with Wallerian degeneration and peripheral nerve regeneration we have performed differential hybridization screening of a cDNA library from crushed rat sciatic nerve (7 days postlesion) using radioactively labeled cDNA prepared from poly(A)+ RNA of normal vs. crushed nerve. Screening of 5,000 randomly selected colonies yielded 24 distinct clones that were regulated following nerve injury. Fifteen of the differentially expressed sequences could be classified as induced, whereas 9 sequences appeared to be repressed at 1 week postcrush. Sequencing and computer-assisted sequence comparison revealed 3 classes of regulated cDNA clones representing 1) novel gene sequences (8 clones) including 3 transcripts containing a repetitive "brain identifier" (ID) element; 2) identified genes (7 clones) with previously undetected expression in the peripheral nervous system (PNS), such as apolipoprotein D, peripheral myelin protein 22kD (PMP22), SPARC (secreted protein, acidic and rich in cysteine), sulfated glycoprotein SGP-1, apoferritin, decorin, and X16/SRp20; and 3) identified genes (9 clones) with known expression in the PNS including, e.g., the myelin protein P0, gamma-actin, vimentin, alpha-tubulin, chargerin II, and cytochrome c-oxidase subunit I. Northern blot and polymerase chain reaction analyses with RNA from crushed and transected nerve demonstrated that sequences with related function, like the group of myelin genes, cytoskeleton genes, genes involved in RNA processing and translation, in lipid transport or energy metabolism showed closely related temporal patterns of expression during nerve degeneration and regeneration. Finally, we compared the differentially expressed genes identified at 7 days after crush injury (this investigation) with the regulated sequences isolated previously by De Leon et al. (J Neurosci Res 29:437-488, 1991) from a 3 day postcrush sciatic nerve cDNA library.

Targeting of mRNAs to subsynaptic microdomains in dendrites

Recent studies have revealed that a heterogeneous population of mRNAs is present in neuronal dendrites (including mRNAs that encode proteins involved in intracellular signaling), that different types of neurons have different assortments of dendritic mRNAs, and that the levels of some dendritic mRNAs are up-regulated by activity. These findings reinforce and extend the hypothesis that the localization of mRNA in dendrites provides a means of synthesizing proteins locally that are important for synaptic function.

Increase of c-fos and ras oncoproteins in the denervated neuropil of the rat dentate gyrus

When the entorhinal cortical input to the rat dentate gyrus is destroyed, the process of sprouting and synaptogenesis begins within the denervated dendritic laminae. The present study used immunohistochemical methods to determine whether there was an increase in the oncoproteins c-fos and ras within the denervated neuropil of the dentate gyrus during this period of terminal growth and synapse formation. Animals were prepared for immunolabeling one, three, six and 30 days after unilateral lesion of the entorhinal cortex. Rats were perfused with paraformaldehyde fixative and brain sections were incubated with antibodies to either c-fos or ras oncoprotein. Qualitative light microscopic analysis showed a marked increase in both c-fos and ras proteins over the denervated zone at three days postlesion when compared to both the intact contralateral control and the naive control. At one- and six-day postlesion intervals there was also an increase in labeling over the denervated neuropil with each oncoprotein; however, the intensity of label was reduced relative to that of the three-day time interval. No increase in labeling over the denervated zone was visible for either antibody at 30 days postlesion. The high level of both c-fos and ras labeling in the denervated molecular layer was confirmed with Western blot analysis of dissected molecular layers from lesioned and contralateral control hippocampi. Controls for antibody and method specificity showed that the labeling was specific for c-fos and ras proteins. The high level of c-fos labeling over the denervated molecular layer was uniform with scattered punctate sites of reaction product interspersed in the neuropil. Glial cell bodies in the neuropil contained the highest levels of c-fos oncoprotein. The granule cell nuclei showed an apparent reduction in the level of c-fos labeling at one, three and six days postlesion when compared with the nuclear staining of naive control cases. At 30 days postlesion, high levels of labeling over the denervated zone were not visible and c-fos localization had returned to the typical predominant nuclear sites seen in controls. Ras oncoprotein localization was diffuse in the cell processes of the molecular layer, with intermittent glial labeling within the denervated zone. No cell nuclei labeling was observed with antibodies to ras protein. These results show that both c-fos and ras oncoproteins are increased within the denervated neuropil of the dentate gyrus during sprouting and synapse formation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Transneuronal changes in dendrites of GABAergic parvalbumin-containing neurons of the rat fascia dentata following entorhinal lesion

The perforant path fibers from the entorhinal cortex form synapses with both granule cells and GABAergic, parvalbumin-containing (PARV) nongranule cells. The authors recently reported a persistent reduction of PARV-positive dendrites in the termination zones of entorhinal fibers in the hippocampus proper and fascia dentata after lesion of the entorhinal cortex. In the present study the authors analyzed the effects of de-entorhination on the ultrastructure of postsynaptic PARV-positive dendrites in the molecular layer of the fascia dentata. PARV immunocytochemistry was performed 2, 8, 55, and 360 days after an ipsilateral entorhinal lesion and, for comparison, 10 days after an ipsilateral fimbria-fornix transection that disconnects the hippocampus from its septal and commissural afferents. Two days after entorhinal lesion, the authors observed swelling of the tissue close to the hippocampal fissure. Adjacent distal dendritic tips of PARV-positive dentate neurons appeared bloated and reduced in number. Reduction of PARV-positive dendrites in the former perforant path termination zone persisted 55 days after entorhinal lesion and could still observed after postlesional survival times for 1 year. Degenerating axon terminals were still present 55 days following lesion and PARV-positive dendrites exhibited abnormal invaginations. Fimbria transection did not result in similar dendritic changes in PARV-positive neurons. The results indicate a long-lasting process of reorganization in the molecular layer of the fascia dentata following entorhinal lesion and persisting changes in the morphology of PARV-immunoreactive dendrites. Entorhinal fibers seem to play a specific role for the maintenance of these dendrites, since similar changes did not occur following removal of septal and commissural fibers.

Getting the message from the gene to the synapse: sorting and intracellular transport of RNA in neurons

A key question in cellular neurobiology is how neurons target molecules to cellular microdomains at a distance from the nucleus. Of special importance are the thousands of postsynaptic sites that form the basis for synaptic communication. Recent evidence suggests that an important aspect of molecular trafficking involves differential sorting, selective intracellular transport, and docking of particular mRNA molecules and associated protein synthetic machinery at postsynaptic sites. This offers the potential for local regulation of the production of key proteins in response to conditions at individual synapses. This article reviews what is known about the mechanisms of mRNA trafficking in neurons and in other cells ranging from oocytes to oligodendrocytes, and considers the possible role that mRNA trafficking and the resulting local synthesis of particular proteins may play in cellular function.

Astrocytic apolipoprotein E mRNA and GFAP mRNA in hippocampus after entorhinal cortex lesioning

Entorhinal cortex lesions (ECL) that damage the perforant path to the hippocampus induce rapid increases of apolipoprotein E (apo E) mRNA in the hippocampus. Apo E mRNA was localized in astrocytes by in situ hybridization in combination with immunocytochemistry for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Unilateral ECL also increased hippocampal GFAP mRNA, with increases preceding those of apo E mRNA. The apo E mRNA and GFAP mRNA responses were transiently bilateral in non-denervated zones. The timing of response in apo E mRNA to deafferentation supports suggestions that apo E has roles in membrane remodelling during responses to neuron injury.

Identification of transcriptionally regulated genes after sciatic nerve injury

Mammalian peripheral nerve fibres can regenerate after injury. In an attempt toward a better understanding of the underlying molecular events, we have isolated novel and known rat cDNA sequences, the expression of which are regulated during sciatic nerve regeneration. For this purpose, cDNA libraries were constructed from either the nerve segment distal to the crush site or the corresponding contralateral uninjured nerve of the same animals. These libraries were screened by differential hybridization and several transcriptionally repressed and induced sequences were isolated. Out of 2,000 cDNA clones screened from the distal library, 11 sequences were found to be induced in the distal nerve segment. This set of induced cDNAs included the rat homolog of vimentin, 28 S and 18 S ribosomal RNA species, and two novel sequences. Of 5,000 screened colonies of the contralateral library, 30 colonies contained sequences that were repressed in the distal segment after nerve crush. They were identified as myelin basic protein, myelin P0, alpha-globin, cytochrome oxidase subunit 1, creatine kinase (muscle type, M) and collagen type I. In addition, five novel sequences were found that were dramatically repressed after sciatic nerve crush. Representative clones were tested by northern blot analysis to study their time course of transcriptional regulation during nerve regeneration. The observed patterns suggest that the regeneration phenomenon shows complex gene regulation in which the nonneuronal cells of the distal segment play an important role. Further characterization of the isolated regulated known and unknown sequences will increase our understanding of the molecular events associated with neuronal regeneration.

Cloning of hippocampal poly(A) RNA sequences that increase after entorhinal cortex lesion in adult rat

Evidence is given for altered gene expression in the hippocampus in response to entorhinal cortex lesioning. Three RNA markers encoding glial fibrillary acidic protein, apolipoprotein E and alpha-tubulin were isolated from a rat hippocampal cDNA library by differential screening with cDNA probes from entorhinal cortex lesioned and control rat hippocampus RNA. By Northern blot analysis, mRNA for apolipoprotein E and alpha-tubulin increased to peak around 6 days after the lesion and returned to near control level at 30 days. The increased synthesis of both mRNAs coincides with the acute phase of synaptogenesis, protein synthesis, and polyribosomes accumulation in the deafferented hippocampal area.

Differential subcellular localization of particular mRNAs in hippocampal neurons in culture

In situ hybridization was used to assess the subcellular distribution of mRNAs encoding several important neuronal proteins in hippocampal neurons in culture. mRNA encoding GAP-43, a protein that is largely excluded from dendrites, was restricted to nerve cell bodies, as were mRNAs encoding neurofilament-68 and beta-tubulin, which are prominent constituents of dendrites and of axons. In contrast, mRNA encoding MAP-2, a protein that is selectively distributed in dendrites and cell bodies, was present in both dendrites and cell bodies. These results demonstrate that different mRNAs are differentially distributed within individual hippocampal neurons. Taken together with previous findings from other laboratories, our results suggest that only a limited set of mRNAs are available for local translation within dendrites.

Distinct spatial localization of specific mRNAs in cultured sympathetic neurons

We examined the subcellular distribution of specific mRNAs in cultured sympathetic neurons. Under appropriate conditions, sympathetic neurons extend both axons and dendrites that are distinguishable by light microscopic and immunocytochemical criteria. In situ hybridization revealed a differential localization of mRNA within dendrites. mRNA encoding MAP2 was abundant in cell bodies and distributed nonhomogeneously throughout the dendritic compartment, but was not detected in axons. In contrast, mRNAs encoding GAP-43 and alpha-tubulin were restricted to the cell body and largely excluded from dendrites as well as axons. Detergent extraction revealed that most dendrite-associated mRNA encoding MAP2 was associated with the Triton X-100 insoluble fraction of the cell. The subset of mRNAs present in the dendritic compartment may encode proteins involved in the morphogenesis and remodeling of dendrites.

Protein synthesis in the neuropil of the rat dentate gyrus during synapse development

Previous studies have shown that there are dramatic accumulations of polyribosomes under developing synapses on dendrites of CNS neurons. The present study was designed to evaluate what types of proteins might be synthesized by the synapse-associated polyribosomes. Hippocampal slices from rat pups sacrificed at 4, 7, 10, 12, 14, and 21 days after birth as well as slices from adult animals were incubated in a modified Eagle's medium containing 3H-leucine. After a 30 min exposure to radiolabeled amino acids, the slices were microdissected, separating the dendritic enriched molecular layer from the cell bodies of the dentate gyrus and the hippocampus proper. The level of protein synthetic activity was assessed by comparing the incorporation in cell body and dendritic laminae. Polypeptides present in each dissected zone were separated electrophoretically on 1D SDS-polyacrylamide gels according to their molecular weight and the newly synthesized proteins were analyzed through gel fluorography. The overall level of 3H-amino acid incorporation into protein (measured as cpm/microgram protein) was higher than that of the adult at all postnatal ages. When the entire slice was analyzed, the maximum incorporation was at 12 days after birth. In the dissected subregions of the slice the peak protein synthetic activity in cell-body-enriched regions of dentate gyrus and hippocampus proper was at 4-7 days postnatal, declining between 7 and 21 days to values comparable to the adult. By contrast, protein synthesis in the molecular layer of the dentate gyrus did not peak until 12 days after birth, decreasing toward adult rates after 14 days. The overall pattern of Coomassie stained polypeptides present in the dentate molecular layer was comparable at all ages examined. Moreover, one-dimensional gel analysis showed no qualitative differences in the proteins that were synthesized in the three dissected zones across ages.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Increases in mRNA for cytoskeletal proteins in the denervated neuropil of the dentate gyrus: an in situ hybridization study using riboprobes for beta-actin and beta-tubulin

Following destruction of entorhinal cortical (EC) input to the dentate gyrus there is an increase in protein synthesis within the denervated dendritic laminae. The present study utilized in situ hybridization to determine whether there were increases in the messenger RNAs (mRNAs) for beta-actin and beta-tubulin within the denervated neuropil of the dentate gyrus during the time of increased protein synthesis. Animals were prepared for in situ hybridization 2-21 days after a unilateral lesion of the EC. Brain sections were hybridized with either 3H or 35S-labeled riboprobes prepared from chick beta-actin and chick beta-tubulin mRNA. Analysis of light microscopic autoradiograms revealed increases in the mRNAs for beta-actin and beta-tubulin within the denervated neuropil between 6 and 8 days postlesion when compared to the intact dentate gyrus of the contralateral side. Labeling over the granule cell body layer was comparable on the two sides for both probes. Increases in both mRNAs were also observed in the scar tissue at the lesion site. These results suggest that local protein synthesis within the denervated neuropil of the dentate gyrus involves, in part, an increase in the production of actin and tubulin.

Expression of neurotrophic activity in Xenopus oocytes injected with mRNA from wounded rat cerebral cortex

Injury to the cerebral cortex of the rat brain has been shown to induce the expression of neurotrophic factors for dissociated peripheral and central neurons in culture. We confirm this phenomenon and report that Xenopus laevis oocytes injected with mRNA extracted from wounded rat cortex expressed similar neurotrophic activity. To detect the low amounts of neurotrophic factors that could be expected from the oocyte translation system, a miniaturization of the assay for neurotrophic and cell-surviving activity was developed using Terasaki microtiter plates for culture of chicken embryo sympathetic ganglion cells. Messenger RNA (mRNA) was size-fractionated on a sucrose gradient and RNAs from each fraction were injected into oocytes. Neurotrophic activity was recovered from the homogenates and from the incubation media of oocytes injected with mRNA from 7 day post-lesion cortex. Messenger RNAs in the active fractions ranged in size from 0.8 to 1.8 kb. As much as 20% of the activity was secreted by the oocytes. No significant neurotrophic activity was detected from oocytes injected with mRNA fractions extracted from the cortex of control rats or from other gradient fractions from post-lesion cortex.

Rapid changes in 2-deoxyglucose uptake and amino acid incorporation following unilateral odor deprivation: a laminar analysis

Unilateral naris occlusion in neonatal rats results in large alterations in the olfactory bulb, including substantial changes in laminar volume and enhanced cell death. These gross changes are undoubtedly the result of a cascade of more basic cellular regulatory events. The present study assesses the possibility of rapid post-deprivation changes in two such processes: glucose metabolism and protein synthesis. On the day after the day of birth rat pups underwent unilateral naris occlusion or sham surgery. In one study, either 1, 12, 24 or 48 h following surgery [3H]2-deoxyglucose [( 3H]2-DG) was administered to gauge patterns of glucose uptake. In a second study, [3H]leucine was injected to assess patterns of protein synthesis. Autoradiographs were then subjected to quantitative analyses. As early as 1 h following occlusion reduced 2-DG uptake was observed in many bulb regions. By 24 h, leucine incorporation was also uniformly diminished. While 2-DG uptake remained suppressed 48 h after deprivation, levels of amino acid incorporation returned to normal patterns in most laminae, with the exception of the mitral cell layer, where increased uptake was encountered. To evaluate whether the effects were developmental by nature a group of P40-P45 animals treated similarly were also examined. While 24 h of deprivation impaired 2-DG uptake in older animals, no alterations in amino acid incorporation were observed. The results indicate that early odor deprivation has rapid and specific effects on cellular functioning within the developing olfactory bulb.

Protein synthesis by rat hippocampal slices maintained in vitro

The present study evaluates protein synthesis in rat hippocampal slices maintained in vitro. Transverse slices of hippocampus were prepared from both adult rats and rat pups during postnatal development and incubated in a gassed (95% O2/5% CO2) balanced salt medium containing 5 nM 3H-leucine. The time course of 3H-leucine incorporation into TCA-precipitable protein was determined using slices removed from the media after 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 60, and 120 min of incubation. The pattern of 3H-amino acid incorporation was evaluated by fixing slices with paraformaldehyde, embedding the slices in plastic, and sectioning the slices end on and en face for autoradiographic analysis. Biochemical analysis of 300 and 400 micron slices revealed that incorporation of leucine into protein proceeds at a constant rate. The autoradiographic analysis revealed that in adult hippocampal slices of 300-600 micron thickness there was complete penetration of 3H-leucine with no indication of a gradient in the extent of incorporation throughout the slice. The pattern of grain density within 300-600 micron slices matches that previously reported after in vivo injections of radiolabeled amino acid, where grain density is highest over neuronal cell bodies and lower over the laminae that contain dendritic processes and axons (Phillips et al: Mol Brain Res 2:251-261, 1987). Hippocampal slices of 200, 800, and 1,000 micron thickness showed irregular labeling. Slices of 200 micron were filled with pyknotic nuclei and vacuoles and exhibited patchy labeling. In 800 micron slices there were isolated areas of good preservation within the slice core, but these areas exhibited little incorporation. Relative to the 300-600 micron slices, there was a higher number of pyknotic nuclei and a much deeper layer of necrosis along the cut edges. Slices of 1,000 micron thickness showed poor preservation throughout and low levels of incorporation. Biochemical studies revealed a much higher rate of incorporation in the slices prepared from postnatal animals. Autoradiography of the slices from developing rats revealed that penetration was excellent and incorporation appeared to be greater as judged by an overall higher grain density. We believe that rat hippocampal slices provide a good in vitro model of protein metabolism that will be useful for studies of protein synthesis in isolated cell body and dendritic laminae and for the evaluation of whether protein synthesis in particular laminae is regulated by synaptic activity.