GLAST mRNA expression in the periventricular area of experimental hydrocephalus

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Abstract
GLUTAMATE transporters play an important role in maintaining the extracellular glutamate concentration below the neurotoxic level. We investigated the expression of glutamate/aspartate transporter (GLAST) mRNA in the periventricular region of rats with kaolin- induced hydrocephalus by in situ hybridization (ISH). The density of GLAST mRNA-positive cells and the level of hybridization signals per positive cell significantly increased in the acute stage of hydrocephalus. We also demonstrated co-localization of GLAST mRNA and GFAP immunoreactivity in a single cell using the combined methods of ISH and immunohistochemistry. These findings suggest that GLAST is expressed in the reactive astrocytes of the periventricular area and regulates extracellular glutamate concentration after hydro- cephalic brain injury.