Immunolocalization of aquaporins in rat brain

Alterations of apparent diffusion coefficient from ultra high b-values in the bilateral thalamus and striatum in MRI-negative drug-resistant epilepsy

OBJECTIVE

Subcortical nuclei such as the thalamus and striatum have been shown to be related to seizure modulation and termination, especially in drug-resistant epilepsy. Enhance diffusion-weighted imaging (eDWI) technique and tri-component model have been used in previous studies to calculate apparent diffusion coefficient from ultra high b-values (ADCuh). This study aimed to explore the alterations of ADCuh in the bilateral thalamus and striatum in MRI-negative drug-resistant epilepsy.

METHODS

Twenty-nine patients with MRI-negative drug-resistant epilepsy and 18 healthy controls underwent eDWI scan with 15 b-values (0-5000 s/mm2). The eDWI parameters including standard ADC (ADCst), pure water diffusion (D), and ADCuh were calculated from the 15 b-values. Regions-of-interest (ROIs) analyses were conducted in the bilateral thalamus, caudate nucleus, putamen, and globus pallidus. ADCst, D, and ADCuh values were compared between the MRI-negative drug-resistant epilepsy patients and controls using multivariate generalized linear models. Inter-rater reliability was assessed using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman (BA) analysis. False discovery rate (FDR) method was applied for multiple comparisons correction.

RESULTS

ADCuh values in the bilateral thalamus, caudate nucleus, putamen, and globus pallidus in MRI-negative drug-resistant epilepsy were significantly higher than those in the healthy control subjects (all p < 0.05, FDR corrected).

SIGNIFICANCE

The alterations of the ADCuh values in the bilateral thalamus and striatum in MRI-negative drug-resistant epilepsy might reflect abnormal membrane water permeability in MRI-negative drug-resistant epilepsy. ADCuh might be a sensitive measurement for evaluating subcortical nuclei-related brain damage in epilepsy patients.

PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY

This study aimed to explore the alterations of apparent diffusion coefficient calculated from ultra high b-values (ADCuh) in the subcortical nuclei such as the bilateral thalamus and striatum in MRI-negative drug-resistant epilepsy. The bilateral thalamus and striatum showed higher ADCuh in epilepsy patients than healthy controls. These findings may add new evidences of subcortical nuclei abnormalities related to water and ion hemostasis in epilepsy patients, which might help to elucidate the underlying epileptic neuropathophysiological mechanisms and facilitate the exploration of therapeutic targets.

Alteration of Aquaporins 1 and 4 immunohistochemical and gene expression in the cerebellum of diabetic albino rat

Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of transmembrane channel proteins. AQP1 and AQP4 are expressed in cerebellum amongst others. This study was designed to assess the effect of diabetes on AQP1 and AQP4 expression in cerebellum of rats. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of Streptozotocin 45 mg/kg in 24 adult male Sprague Dawley rats. Six rats from control and diabetic groups were sacrificed at one, four, and eight weeks post diabetic confirmation. After eight weeks, measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) concentrations, and cerebellar mRNA expression for AQP1 and AQP4 genes were performed. Immunohistochemical evaluation of AQP1, AQP4, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) for cerebellar sections was performed for all groups. Diabetes caused degenerative changes in Purkinje cells with a significant increase in the cerebellar level of MDA and AQP1 immunoreactivity and a significant decrease in GSH level and AQP4 expression levels. However, the alteration in the AQP1 mRNA level was not statistically significant. GFAP immunoreactivity was increased in 8 W diabetic rats following its decrease in 1 W diabetic rats. Diabetes caused some alteration in the AQPs 1 and 4 expression in the cerebellum of diabetic rats which may contribute to diabetes-induced cerebellar complications.

Choroid Plexus Aquaporins in CSF Homeostasis and the Glymphatic System: Their Relevance for Alzheimer's Disease

The glymphatic system, a fluid-clearance pathway involved in brain waste clearance, is known to be impaired in neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). For this reason, it is important to understand the specific mechanisms and factors controlling glymphatic function. This pathway enables the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) into the brain and subsequently the brain interstitium, supported by aquaporins (AQPs). Continuous CSF transport through the brain parenchyma is critical for the effective transport and drainage of waste solutes, such as toxic proteins, through the glymphatic system. However, a balance between CSF production and secretion from the choroid plexus, through AQP regulation, is also needed. Thus, any condition that affects CSF homeostasis will also interfere with effective waste removal through the clearance glymphatic pathway and the subsequent processes of neurodegeneration. In this review, we highlight the role of AQPs in the choroid plexus in the modulation of CSF homeostasis and, consequently, the glymphatic clearance pathway, with a special focus on AD.

Aquaporins in Eye

The major part of the eye consists of water. Continuous movement of water and ions between the ocular compartments and to the systemic circulation is pivotal for many physiological functions in the eye. The movement of water facilitates removal of the many metabolic products of corneal-, ciliary body-, lens-, and retinal metabolism, while maintaining transparency in the optical compartments. Transport across the corneal epithelium and endothelium maintains the corneal transparency. Also, aqueous humor is continuously secreted by the epithelia of the ciliary body and maintains the intraocular pressure. In the retina, water is transported into the vitreous body and across the retinal pigment epithelium to regulate the extracellular environment and the hydration of the retina. Aquaporins are a major contributor in the water transport throughout the eye.

Aquaporins in Nervous System

Aquaporins (AQPs) mediate water flux between the four distinct water compartments in the central nervous system (CNS). In the present chapter, we mainly focus on the expression and function of the nine AQPs expressed in the CNS, which include five members of aquaporin subfamily: AQP1, AQP4, AQP5, AQP6, and AQP8; three members of aquaglyceroporin subfamily: AQP3, AQP7, and AQP9; and one member of superaquaporin subfamily: AQP11. In addition, AQP1, AQP2, and AQP4 expressed in the peripheral nervous system are also reviewed. AQP4, the predominant water channel in the CNS, is involved both in the astrocyte swelling of cytotoxic edema and the resolution of vasogenic edema and is of pivotal importance in the pathology of brain disorders such as neuromyelitis optica, brain tumors, and neurodegenerative disorders. Moreover, AQP4 has been demonstrated as a functional regulator of recently discovered glymphatic system that is a main contributor to clearance of toxic macromolecule from the brain. Other AQPs are also involved in a variety of important physiological and pathological process in the brain. It has been suggested that AQPs could represent an important target in treatment of brain disorders like cerebral edema. Future investigations are necessary to elucidate the pathological significance of AQPs in the CNS.

The Water Transport System in Astrocytes–Aquaporins

Highlights

(AQPs) are transmembrane proteins responsible for fast water movement across cell membranes, including those of astrocytes.

The expression and subcellular localization of AQPs in astrocytes are highly dynamic under physiological and pathological conditions.

Besides their primary function in water homeostasis, AQPs participate in many ancillary functions including glutamate clearance in tripartite synapses and cell migration.

Abstract

Astrocytes have distinctive morphological and functional characteristics, and are found throughout the central nervous system. Astrocytes are now known to be far more than just housekeeping cells in the brain. Their functions include contributing to the formation of the blood–brain barrier, physically and metabolically supporting and communicating with neurons, regulating the formation and functions of synapses, and maintaining water homeostasis and the microenvironment in the brain. Aquaporins (AQPs) are transmembrane proteins responsible for fast water movement across cell membranes. Various subtypes of AQPs (AQP1, AQP3, AQP4, AQP5, AQP8 and AQP9) have been reported to be expressed in astrocytes, and the expressions and subcellular localizations of AQPs in astrocytes are highly correlated with both their physiological and pathophysiological functions. This review describes and summarizes the recent advances in our understanding of astrocytes and AQPs in regard to controlling water homeostasis in the brain. Findings regarding the features of different AQP subtypes, such as their expression, subcellular localization, physiological functions, and the pathophysiological roles of astrocytes are presented, with brain edema and glioma serving as two representative AQP-associated pathological conditions. The aim is to provide a better insight into the elaborate “water distribution” system in cells, exemplified by astrocytes, under normal and pathological conditions.

The aquaporin 8 (AQP8) membrane channel gene is present in the elasmobranch dogfish (Squalus acanthias) genome and is expressed in brain but not in gill, kidney or intestine

The transport mechanisms for water, ammonia and urea in elasmobranch gill, kidney and gastrointestinal tract remain to be fully elucidated. Aquaporin 8 (AQP8) is a known water, ammonia and urea channel that is expressed in the kidney and respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts of mammals and teleost fish. However, at the initiation of this study in late 2019, there was no copy of an elasmobranch aquaporin 8 gene identified in the genebank even for closely related holocephalon species such as elephant fish (Callorhinchus milii) or for the elasmobranch little skate (Leucoraja erinacea). A transcriptomic study in spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias) also failed to identify a copy. Hence this study has remedied this and identified the AQP8 cDNA sequence using degenerate PCR. Agarose electrophoresis of degenerate PCR reactions from dogfish tissues showed a strong band from brain cDNA and faint bands of a similar size in gill and liver. 5' and 3' RACE was used to complete the AQP8 cDNA sequence. Primers were then designed for further PCR reactions to determine the distribution of AQP8 mRNA expression in dogfish tissues. This showed that AQP8 is only expressed in dogfish brain and AQP8 therefore clearly can play no role in water, ammonia and urea transport in the gill, kidney or gastrointestinal tract. The role of AQP8 in dogfish brain remains to be determined.

Peroxiredoxin 6 secreted by Schwann-like cells protects neuron against ischemic stroke in rats via PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway

Schwann cells can promote the survival of damaged neurons and axon regeneration by secreting or releasing some proteins and factors which may provide effective strategies to the remedy for ischemic stroke. The models of middle cerebral artery occlusion and oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) were established. Peroxiredoxin 6 (PRDX6) was found in Schwann-like cell conditioned medium (SCLC-CM) by mass spectrometry. The rehabilitative performance of SCLC-CM on focal cerebral ischemia of rats and on OGD-induced PC12 cells were assessed. SCLC-CM significantly improved neurological recovery, reducing the infarct volume of rats after stroke. PRDX6 could significantly inhibit neuron apoptosis in the OGD injury by mediating oxidative stress and activating the PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway. In conclusion, PRDX6 secreted by Schwann-like cell protects neuron against focal cerebral ischemia, SCLC-CM might be a new effective early intervention for ischemic stroke.

Comparative neurotranscriptomics reveal widespread species differences associated with bonding

BACKGROUND

Pair bonding with a reproductive partner is rare among mammals but is an important feature of human social behavior. Decades of research on monogamous prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster), along with comparative studies using the related non-bonding meadow vole (M. pennsylvanicus), have revealed many of the neural and molecular mechanisms necessary for pair-bond formation in that species. However, these studies have largely focused on just a few neuromodulatory systems. To test the hypothesis that neural gene expression differences underlie differential capacities to bond, we performed RNA-sequencing on tissue from three brain regions important for bonding and other social behaviors across bond-forming prairie voles and non-bonding meadow voles. We examined gene expression in the amygdala, hypothalamus, and combined ventral pallidum/nucleus accumbens in virgins and at three time points after mating to understand species differences in gene expression at baseline, in response to mating, and during bond formation.

RESULTS

We first identified species and brain region as the factors most strongly associated with gene expression in our samples. Next, we found gene categories related to cell structure, translation, and metabolism that differed in expression across species in virgins, as well as categories associated with cell structure, synaptic and neuroendocrine signaling, and transcription and translation that varied among the focal regions in our study. Additionally, we identified genes that were differentially expressed across species after mating in each of our regions of interest. These include genes involved in regulating transcription, neuron structure, and synaptic plasticity. Finally, we identified modules of co-regulated genes that were strongly correlated with brain region in both species, and modules that were correlated with post-mating time points in prairie voles but not meadow voles.

CONCLUSIONS

These results reinforce the importance of pre-mating differences that confer the ability to form pair bonds in prairie voles but not promiscuous species such as meadow voles. Gene ontology analysis supports the hypothesis that pair-bond formation involves transcriptional regulation, and changes in neuronal structure. Together, our results expand knowledge of the genes involved in the pair bonding process and open new avenues of research in the molecular mechanisms of bond formation.

Evolutionary Adaptation of Aquaporin-4 in Yak (Bos grunniens) Brain to High-Altitude Hypoxia of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau

Background: In high-altitude animals, brain cell resilience against hypoxia stress is one critical evolutionary step that has promoted individual survival and species adaptation to the environment. Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) is implicated in a number of physiopathological processes, particularly in the development of brain edema, and other functions such as the regulation of extracellular space volume, potassium buffering, waste clearance, and calcium signaling. Still, the role of AQP4 in the adaptation to high-altitude hypoxia remains unknown. The yak (Bos grunniens) is the only large mammal that is currently known to have adapted to the high-altitude hypoxic environment of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (>4000 m above sea level). Methods: In this study, we cloned the complementary DNA (cDNA) for yak AQP4 and analyzed structural differences of AQP4 between yak and cattle. We used reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot to investigate whether the expression of AQP4 mRNA and protein was different in brain of yak and cattle. In addition, immunohistochemistry was use to analyze the localization and expression of AQP4 in brain of yak and cattle. Results: Immunohistochemical results have shown that AQP4 is expressed in many regions of the yak brain, and both protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) levels are significantly lower than those of low-altitude cattle (Bos taurus). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that yak AQP4 is evolutionarily conserved. Interestingly, a substitution of Ala (cattle) to Ser in position 82, and eight additional amino acid residues composing an α-helix region are present in yak AQP4 protein. These sequence modifications potentially modulate the function of AQP4 in distinct environments. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that AQP4 may have an important role in the resistance to cerebral edema through low expression and maintenance of normal physiological function in the yak brain.

Immunohistochemical Evaluation of Aquaporin-4 and its Correlation with CD68, IBA-1, HIF-1α, GFAP, and CD15 Expressions in Fatal Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Our understanding of its pathobiology has substantially increased. Following TBI, the following occur, edema formation, brain swelling, increased intracranial pressure, changes in cerebral blood flow, hypoxia, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, and apoptosis. Experimental animal models have been developed. However, the difficulty in mimicking human TBI explains why few neuroprotective strategies, drawn up on the basis of experimental studies, have translated into improved therapeutic strategies for TBI patients. In this study, we retrospectively examined brain samples in 145 cases of death after different survival times following TBI, to investigate aquaporin-4 (AQP4) expression and correlation with hypoxia, and neuroinflammation in human TBI. Antibodies anti-glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP), aquaporin-4 (AQP4), hypoxia induced factor-1α (HIF-1α), macrophage/phagocytic activation (CD68), ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule-1 (IBA-1), and neutrophils (CD15) were used. AQP4 showed a significant, progressive increase between the control group and groups 2 (one-day survival) and 3 (three-day survival). There were further increases in AQP4 immunopositivity in groups 4 (seven-day survival), 5 (14-dayssurvival), and 6 (30-day survival), suggesting an upregulation of AQP4 at 7 to 30 days compared to group 1. GFAP showed its highest expression in non-acute cases at the astrocytic level compared with the acute TBI group. Data emerging from the HIF-1α reaction showed a progressive, significant increase. Immunohistochemistry with IBA-1 revealed activated microglia starting three days after trauma and progressively increasing in the next 15 to 20 days after the initial trauma. CD68 expression demonstrated basal macrophage and phagocytic activation mostly around blood vessels. Starting from one to three days of survival after TBI, an increase in the number of CD68 cells was progressively observed; at 15 and 30 days of survival, CD68 showed the most abundant immunopositivity inside or around the areas of necrosis. These findings need to be developed further to gain insight into the mechanisms through which brain AQP4 is upregulated. This could be of the utmost clinicopathological importance.

Gas Diffusion in the CNS

Gases have been long known to have essential physiological functions in the CNS such as respiration or regulation of vascular tone. Since gases have been classically considered to freely diffuse, research in gas biology has so far focused on mechanisms of gas synthesis and gas reactivity, rather than gas diffusion and transport. However, the discovery of gas pores during the last two decades and the characterization of diverse diffusion patterns through different membranes has raised the possibility that modulation of gas diffusion is also a physiologically relevant parameter. Here we review the means of gas movement into and within the brain through "free" diffusion and gas pores, notably aquaporins, discussing the role that gas diffusion may play in the modulation of gas function. We highlight how diffusion is relevant to neuronal signaling, volume transmission, and cerebrovascular control in the case of NO, one of the most extensively studied gases. We point out how facilitated transport can be especially relevant for gases with low permeability in lipid membranes like NH₃ and discuss the possible implications of NH₃ -permeable channels in physiology and hyperammonemic encephalopathy. We identify novel research questions about how modulation of gas diffusion could intervene in CNS pathologies. This emerging area of research can provide novel and interesting insights in the field of gas biology.

Aquaporins in the Eye

The major part of the eye consists of water . Continuous movement of water and ions between the ocular compartments and to the systemic circulation is pivotal for many physiological functions in the eye. The movement of water facilitates removal of the many metabolic products of corneal-, ciliary body-, lens- and retinal metabolism, while maintaining transparency in the optical compartments. Transport across the corneal epithelium and endothelium maintains the corneal transparency. Also, aqueous humour is continuously secreted by the epithelia of the ciliary body and maintains the intraocular pressure. In the retina, water is transported into the vitreous body and across the retinal pigment epithelium to regulate the extracellular environment and the hydration of the retina. Aquaporins (AQPs ) take part in the water transport throughout the eye.

Aquaporins in Nervous System

Aquaporins (AQPs ) mediate water flux between the four distinct water compartments in the central nervous system (CNS). In the present chapter, we mainly focus on the expression and function of the 9 AQPs expressed in the CNS, which include five members of aquaporin subfamily: AQP1, AQP4, AQP5, AQP6, and AQP8; three members of aquaglyceroporin subfamily: AQP3, AQP7, and AQP9; and one member of superaquaporin subfamily: AQP11. In addition, AQP1, AQP2 and AQP4 expressed in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) are also reviewed. AQP4, the predominant water channel in the CNS, is involved both in the astrocyte swelling of cytotoxic edema and the resolution of vasogenic edema, and is of pivotal importance in the pathology of brain disorders such as neuromyelitis optica , brain tumors and Alzheimer's disease. Other AQPs are also involved in a variety of important physiological and pathological process in the brain. It has been suggested that AQPs could represent an important target in treatment of brain disorders like cerebral edema. Future investigations are necessary to elucidate the pathological significance of AQPs in the CNS.

Removal of aquaporin-4 from glial and ependymal membranes causes brain water accumulation

There is a constitutive production of water in brain. The efflux routes of this excess water remain to be identified. We used basal brain water content as a proxy for the capacity of water exit routes. Basal brain water content was increased in mice with a complete loss of aquaporin-4 (AQP4) water channels (global Aqp4^-/- mice), but not in mice with a selective removal of perivascular AQP4 or in a novel mouse line with a selective deletion of ependymal AQP4 (Foxj1-Cre:Aqp4^flox/flox mice). Unique for the global Aqp4^-/- mice is the loss of the AQP4 pool subjacent to the pial membrane. Our data suggest that water accumulates in brain when subpial AQP4 is missing, pointing to a critical role of this pool of water channels in brain water exit.

Expression of aquaporin-7 and aquaporin-9 in tanycyte cells and choroid plexus during mouse estrus cycle

Tanycytes are special ependymal cells located in the ventrolateral wall and floor of the third ventricle having processes extending nuclei that regulate reproductive functions and around of vessels in median eminance. The aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of transmembrane proteins that transport water and glycerol. AQP-7 and -9 are permeable to other small molecules as glycerol and therefore called aquaglyceroporins. In this study, we aimed to show localization of AQP-7 and -9 in epithelial cells of choroid plexus and tanycytes during female mouse estrus cycle. AQP-7 and -9 proteins were detected in α2 and β1 tanycytes in prœstrus stage. Interestingly, there is no staining in estrus stage in any type of tanycytes. We observed weak immunoreactivity in α1, α2 and β1 tanycyte cells in metestrus stage for AQP-7 and α1 for AQP-9 protein. AQP-7 and -9 showed intense immunoreactivity in α2, β1 and β2 tanycyte cells during diestrus stage. Consequently, AQP-7 and -9 showed differential staining pattern in different stages of mouse estrus cycle. In the light of our findings and other recent publications, we suggest that AQP-7 and -9-mediated glycerol transport in tanycyte cells might be under hormonal control to use glycerol as a potential energy substrate during mouse estrus cycle.

Research into the Physiology of Cerebrospinal Fluid Reaches a New Horizon: Intimate Exchange between Cerebrospinal Fluid and Interstitial Fluid May Contribute to Maintenance of Homeostasis in the Central Nervous System

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) plays an essential role in maintaining the homeostasis of the central nervous system. The functions of CSF include: (1) buoyancy of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves; (2) volume adjustment in the cranial cavity; (3) nutrient transport; (4) protein or peptide transport; (5) brain volume regulation through osmoregulation; (6) buffering effect against external forces; (7) signal transduction; (8) drug transport; (9) immune system control; (10) elimination of metabolites and unnecessary substances; and finally (11) cooling of heat generated by neural activity. For CSF to fully mediate these functions, fluid-like movement in the ventricles and subarachnoid space is necessary. Furthermore, the relationship between the behaviors of CSF and interstitial fluid in the brain and spinal cord is important. In this review, we will present classical studies on CSF circulation from its discovery over 2,000 years ago, and will subsequently introduce functions that were recently discovered such as CSF production and absorption, water molecule movement in the interstitial space, exchange between interstitial fluid and CSF, and drainage of CSF and interstitial fluid into both the venous and the lymphatic systems. Finally, we will summarize future challenges in research. This review includes articles published up to February 2016.

Aquaporins and Brain Tumors

Brain primary tumors are among the most diverse and complex human cancers, and they are normally classified on the basis of the cell-type and/or the grade of malignancy (the most malignant being glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), grade IV). Glioma cells are able to migrate throughout the brain and to stimulate angiogenesis, by inducing brain capillary endothelial cell proliferation. This in turn causes loss of tight junctions and fragility of the blood–brain barrier, which becomes leaky. As a consequence, the most serious clinical complication of glioblastoma is the vasogenic brain edema. Both glioma cell migration and edema have been correlated with modification of the expression/localization of different isoforms of aquaporins (AQPs), a family of water channels, some of which are also involved in the transport of other small molecules, such as glycerol and urea. In this review, we discuss relationships among expression/localization of AQPs and brain tumors/edema, also focusing on the possible role of these molecules as both diagnostic biomarkers of cancer progression, and therapeutic targets. Finally, we will discuss the possibility that AQPs, together with other cancer promoting factors, can be exchanged among brain cells via extracellular vesicles (EVs).

Lost Polarization of Aquaporin4 and Dystroglycan in the Core Lesion after Traumatic Brain Injury Suggests Functional Divergence in Evolution

Objective. To understand how aquaporin4 (AQP4) and dystroglycan (DG) polarized distribution change and their roles in brain edema formation after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods. Brain water content, Evans blue detection, real-time PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence were used. Results. At an early stage of TBI, AQP4 and DG maintained vessel-like pattern in perivascular endfeet; M1, M23, and M1/M23 were increased in the core lesion. At a later stage of TBI, DG expression was lost in perivascular area, accompanied with similar but delayed change of AQP4 expression; expression of M1, M23, and DG and the ratio of M1/M2 were increased. Conclusion. At an early stage, AQP4 and DG maintained the polarized distribution. Upregulated M1 and M23 could retard the cytotoxic edema formation. At a later stage AQP4 and DG polarized expression were lost from perivascular endfeet and induced the worst cytotoxic brain edema. The alteration of DG expression could regulate that of AQP4 expression after TBI.

A new look at cerebrospinal fluid circulation

According to the traditional understanding of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) physiology, the majority of CSF is produced by the choroid plexus, circulates through the ventricles, the cisterns, and the subarachnoid space to be absorbed into the blood by the arachnoid villi. This review surveys key developments leading to the traditional concept. Challenging this concept are novel insights utilizing molecular and cellular biology as well as neuroimaging, which indicate that CSF physiology may be much more complex than previously believed. The CSF circulation comprises not only a directed flow of CSF, but in addition a pulsatile to and fro movement throughout the entire brain with local fluid exchange between blood, interstitial fluid, and CSF. Astrocytes, aquaporins, and other membrane transporters are key elements in brain water and CSF homeostasis. A continuous bidirectional fluid exchange at the blood brain barrier produces flow rates, which exceed the choroidal CSF production rate by far. The CSF circulation around blood vessels penetrating from the subarachnoid space into the Virchow Robin spaces provides both a drainage pathway for the clearance of waste molecules from the brain and a site for the interaction of the systemic immune system with that of the brain. Important physiological functions, for example the regeneration of the brain during sleep, may depend on CSF circulation.

Aquaporins 6-12 in the human eye

PURPOSE

Aquaporins (AQPs) are widely expressed and have diverse distribution patterns in the eye. AQPs 0-5 have been localized at the cellular level in human eyes. We investigated the presence of the more recently discovered AQPs 6-12 in the human eye.

METHODS

RT-PCR was performed on fresh tissue from two human eyes divided into the cornea, corneal limbus, ciliary body and iris, lens, choroid, optic nerve, retina and sclera. Each structure was examined to detect the mRNA of AQPs 6-12. Twenty-one human eyes were examined using immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence techniques to determine the topographical localization of AQPs 6-12.

RESULTS

mRNA transcripts of AQP7, AQP9 and AQP11 were found in the ciliary body, corneo-limbal tissue, optic nerve, retina and sclera. AQP9 and AQP11 mRNA was also detected in the choroid. No mRNA of AQP6, AQP8, AQP10 or AQP12 was detected. Anti-AQP7 immunolabelling was detected in the corneal epithelium, corneal endothelium, trabecular meshwork endothelium, ciliary epithelia, lens epithelium, the inner and outer limiting membrane of the retina, the retinal pigment epithelium and the capillary endothelium of all parts of the eye. AQP9 immunolabelling was detected in the nonpigmented ciliary epithelium and retinal ganglion cells. AQP11 immunolabelling was detected in the corneo-limbal epithelium, nonpigmented ciliary epithelium and inner limiting membrane of the retina.

CONCLUSION

Selective expression of AQP7, AQP9 and AQP11 was found within various structures of the human eye. The detection of these aquaporins in the eye implies a role that may be related not only to water transport but also to the transport of glycerol, lactate and ammonia, with importance for metabolism, especially in the retina.

Aquaporin-4 expression contributes to decreases in brain water content during mouse postnatal development

The water channel protein aquaporin-4 (AQP4) is implicated to facilitate water efflux from the brain parenchyma into the blood and CSF, playing a critical role in maintaining brain water homeostasis. Nevertheless, its contribution to decreases in brain water content during postnatal development remains unknown. A quantitative Western blot analysis was performed to investigate developmental expression of AQP4 in the whole mouse brain and showed that AQP4 expression level in 1 week-old brain was only 21.3% of that in the adult brain, but significantly increased to 67.4% of the adult level by 2 weeks after birth. Statistical analysis demonstrated that increased AQP4 expression partially relates to decreased brain water content in postnatal mice (r(2)=0.92 and P=0.002). Moreover, AQP4 null mice had greater brain water content than littermate controls from 2 weeks up to adult age. Consistently, mature pattern of AQP4 localization at the brain-blood and brain-CSF interfaces were completed at approximately at 2 weeks after birth. In addition, AQP4 expression in the brain stem and hypothalamus was earlier than that in the cerebral cortex and cerebellum, suggesting a brain regional variation in developmental expression of AQP4. These results characterize the developmental feature of AQP4 expression in the postnatal brain and provide direct evidence for a role of AQP4 in postnatal brain water uptake.

Vascular Pathology as a Potential Therapeutic Target in SCI

Acute traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is characterized by a progressive secondary degeneration which exacerbates the loss of penumbral tissue and neurological function. Here, we first provide an overview of the known pathophysiological mechanisms involving injured microvasculature and molecular regulators that contribute to the loss and dysfunction of existing and new blood vessels. We also highlight the differences between traumatic and ischemic injuries which may yield clues as to the more devastating nature of traumatic injuries, possibly involving toxicity associated with hemorrhage. We also discuss known species differences with implications for choosing models, their relevance and utility to translate new treatments towards the clinic. Throughout this review, we highlight the potential opportunities and proof-of-concept experimental studies for targeting therapies to endothelial cell-specific responses. Lastly, we comment on the need for vascular mechanisms to be included in drug development and non-invasive diagnostics such as serum and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers and imaging of spinal cord pathology.