谷氨酸钠、γ-氨基丁酸注入黑质对大鼠尾壳核二价金属离子转运体1和膜铁转运辅助蛋白表达的影响

目的 探讨谷氨酸、γ-氨基丁酸(GABA)对大鼠尾壳核铁代谢的影响.方法 大鼠立体定位后,向大脑黑质分别注射谷氨酸钠(MSG)和GABA,观察大鼠尾壳核铁含量,黑质多巴胺能神经元酪氨酸羟化酶(TH)的变化以及尾壳核的无铁反应元件结构的二价金属离子转运体1(DMT1-IRE)、膜铁转运辅助蛋白(HP)含量的变化.结果 与对照组相比,MSG组大鼠尾壳核铁含量显著增加,GABA组与对照组相比没有显著差异;谷氨酸钠组和GABA组大鼠黑质TH免疫阳性细胞平均吸光度(AA)与对照组相比均无显著差异;与对照组相比,谷氨酸钠组大鼠尾壳核DMT1-IRE表达均显著增加,而GABA组DMT1-IRE表达有明显降低;谷氨酸钠组大鼠尾壳核HP表达显著降低,GABA组HP表达显著增高.结论 黑质的谷氨酸和GABA可能通过影响尾壳核DMT1-IRE和HP的表达影响纹状体尾壳核的铁代谢.     

铁调素在小鼠脑内的表达及其对膜铁转运蛋白1和二价金属离子转运体1表达的影响

目的 探讨铁调素(hepcidin)在小鼠脑内的表达及其对膜铁转运蛋白1(ferroportir 1)和二价金属离子转运体1(DMT1)表达的调节作用.方法 应用RT-PCR技术检测铁调素在正常小鼠各脑区的表达分布,并观察了脑室内注射铁调素对DMT1、膜铁转运蛋白1表达的影响 结果 铁调素在小鼠脑内有广泛表达,且不同脑区表达程度不同,脉络丛部分表达较高.结论 侧脑室内注射铁调素后,能够显著影响DMT1、膜铁转运蛋白1表达,且具有明显的区域特异性.     

脑缺血诱导大鼠皮层和海马二价金属离子转运体1表达增加的研究

目的:探讨脑缺血对大鼠皮层、海马二价金属离子转运体1(DMT1)表达的影响。方法:雄性Wistar大鼠随机分为脑缺血1、3、7、28 d和假手术组。结扎双侧颈总动脉建立脑缺血模型组,假手术组仅分离双侧颈总动脉但不结扎。采用RT-PCR测定DMT1+/-IRE mRNA的表达;采用免疫组化染色测定大鼠皮层及海马组织DMT1的表达。结果:大鼠皮层和海马DMT1+/-IRE mRNA的表达随缺血时间的延长逐渐增加。与假手术组比较,皮层DMT1+/-IRE mRNA的表达在缺血1、3 d时无差异(P>0.05);缺血7 d时表达增加(P<0.01),缺血28d时增加更明显(P<0.01)。海马DMT1-IRE mRNA表达除在缺血1 d时与假手术组无差异外(P>0.05),其余时间点DMT1+/-IRE mRNA表达均高于假手术组(P<0.01)。随缺血时间的延长,大鼠皮层、海马的锥体细胞、颗粒细胞及血管内皮细胞DMT1的表达逐渐增加。DMT1的表达除缺血1 d组与假手术组无差别外(P>0.05),其余各组均高于假手术组(P<0.05)。结论:脑缺血可诱导大鼠皮层及海马DMT1表达升高,DMT1表达的改变可能参与了脑缺血引起大鼠脑铁含量升高及神经元铁沉积过程。     

DMT1在APP/PS1转基因小鼠大脑皮层老年斑内的定位研究

目的研究二价金属离子转运体1(divalent metal transporter 1,DMT1)在APP/PS1转基因小鼠大脑皮层内的定位分布,探讨DMT1异常表达影响脑铁代谢平衡从而参与AD发病的可能机制。方法应用免疫组织化学方法观察DMT1在9月龄APPsw/PS1小鼠大脑皮层的阳性分布;应用免疫荧光双标技术和共聚焦激光扫描显微镜观察DMT1蛋白和β淀粉样蛋白(β-amyloid peptide,Aβ)在APP/PS1转基因小鼠大脑皮层老年斑内的一致性分布和位置关系。结果APP/PS1转基因小鼠大脑皮层老年斑内均有DMT1阳性表达;DMT1和Aβ免疫双标发现DMT1免疫阳性产物与Aβ共存于老年斑,二者分布具有一致性。结论DMT1在APP/PS1转基因小鼠大脑皮层老年斑内大量表达,其分布与Aβ具有一致性,提示DMT1可能参与AD脑内Aβ沉积和老年斑形成。     

PGRN阳性神经细胞在新生大鼠大脑皮层内的分布

目的:观察颗粒蛋白(progranulin,PGRN)阳性细胞在新生大鼠大脑皮层内的分布和PGRN在新生鼠大脑皮层神经元、星形胶质细胞和少突胶质细胞中的表达情况,探讨PGRN在新生鼠早期神经发育中的作用。方法:制备新生SD大鼠(1、7 d)脑组织切片,采用PGRN多克隆抗体进行免疫荧光组织化学染色法检测PGRN在新生鼠脑内的表达部位,免疫荧光组织化学双标法检测PGRN在新生鼠皮层内不同细胞中的定位。结果:新生鼠大脑皮质、侧脑室周围、胼胝体及海马中均表达PGRN。PGRN主要在新生鼠皮层内神经元中表达,而在星形胶质细胞和少突胶质细胞中几乎不表达。结论:新生鼠脑内表达PGRN,在大脑皮层内不同细胞表达模式有所不同,提示PGRN可能参与大鼠神经发育早期过程。     

侧脑室注射链脲佐菌素对大鼠海马神经元突触的影响

为观察链脲佐菌素(streptozotocin,STZ)双侧侧脑室注射对大鼠海马神经元突触的影响,本研究将Wistar大鼠随机分为对照组和模型组,模型组大鼠分别于第1、3d双侧侧脑室重复注射STZ3mg/kg,对照组以人工脑脊液代替STZ。21d后,取大鼠海马,免疫组织化学染色及Western blotting方法观察突触素、活性调节细胞骨架相关蛋白(activity-regulated cytoskeletal-associatedprotein,Arc)的表达;电镜观察海马CA1区神经元突触超微结构的改变。结果显示:与对照组相比,模型组大鼠海马内突触素蛋白表达显著减少,而Arc蛋白表达显著增多;模型组海马CA1区神经毡内突触结构异常,突触小泡聚集增多。以上结果提示:脑室注射STZ可影响大鼠海马突触相关蛋白的表达,引起突触超微结构异常,干扰了神经元突触信号的传导。     

侧脑室注射链脲佐菌素对大鼠海马突触相关蛋白PSD-95和Shank 1表达的影响

目的 观察侧脑室注射链脲佐菌素对大鼠脑PSD-95和Shank1表达的影响.方法 将大鼠随机分为正常对照组和模型组,模型组大鼠双侧侧脑室注射链脲佐菌素3mg/kg,第3d重复此剂量;对照组以人工脑脊液代替链脲佐菌素.21d后,取大鼠海马,用免疫组织化学和Western blotting方法观察突触相关蛋白PSD-95和Shank1的表达.结果 与对照组相比,模型组大鼠海马PSD-95和Shankl阳性细胞明显减少,PSD95和Shank1蛋白表达降低.结论 侧脑室注射链脲佐菌素使海马PSD-95和Shank1表达减少,干扰了神经元突触信号传导.     

侧脑室注射BMP4诱导大鼠脑巢蛋白的表达

目的：探讨侧脑室注射BMP4后大鼠脑巢蛋白(Nestin)的表达情况。方法：成年SD大鼠侧脑室注射BMP 410μg／μl，分别于术后1、3、7和14d处死动物。应用Nestin免疫组织化学方法观察Nestin的表达。结果：BMP4组的大鼠皮质、纹状体、室管膜下区Nestin阳性细胞在3d开始出现，到7d达到高峰，然后逐渐减少，非注射侧的Nestin阳性细胞数均较注射侧少；与对照组，差别有显著性。结论：BMP4可诱导和增强脑Nestin表达。     

STZ单次侧脑室注射诱导的大鼠AD空间认知能力损伤与早期病理改变

目的:探索链脲霉素(STZ)单次侧脑室注射诱导的大鼠AD样空间认知能力损伤与早期病理改变。方法:SD大鼠侧脑室单次注射STZ(3 mg/kg),恢复2周后利用Morris水迷宫测定其空间学习、记忆能力,用免疫组织化学研究其β淀粉样蛋白(Aβ)和tau蛋白的磷酸化水平;用Western Blot测定淀粉样前体蛋白(APP)的表达。结果:单次STZ侧脑室注射可诱导大鼠学习、记忆能力损伤,tau蛋白异常磷酸化;但未能诱导Aβ的异常聚集及其前体蛋白APP的异常表达。结论:结果提示,脑内胰岛素信号异常的状态可能诱导动物空间认知功能的损害和及脑内tau蛋白的异常磷酸化。     

海人酸致癫痫大鼠海马结构中noggin表达变化

目的:研究海人酸(kainic acid,KA)侧脑室注射并诱发癫痫持续状态(status epilepticus,SE)后大鼠海马结构中noggin基因在大鼠海马的表达变化。方法:大鼠在侧脑室注射KA后1、3、7、14、30和60d等不同时间,采用RT-PCR研究noggin mRNA含量变化,采用免疫组化观察noggin蛋白表达变化。结果:在正常大鼠海马结构中noggin mRNA有少量表达。noggin阳性细胞主要位于齿状回及CA3、CA1区,数量较少。侧脑室注射KA诱发SE后,noggin表达持续升高,3d达到高峰;7d在脑内的表达开始降低;注射后2个月,noggin表达降至术前水平,仅见散在的阳性细胞。结论:侧脑室注射KA并诱发SE后,大鼠海马结构中noggin表达明显增加。     

Effects of Intracerebroventricular Injection of Iron Dextran on the Iron Concentration and Divalent Metal Transporter 1 Expression in the Caudate Putamen and Substantia Nigra of Rats

The cellular localization of DMT1 and its functional characterization suggest that DMT1 may play an important role in the physiological brain iron transport. But the regulation of DMT1 expression by iron in the brain is still not clearly understood. In this study, both the contents of ferric and ferrous iron as well as DMT1 expression were evaluated in CPu and SN after ICV of 500 μg iron dextran/rat/day for 3 or 7 days. It was found that the iron levels in CPu and SN were not altered obviously until ICV for 7 days. Immunohistochemistry results indicated that the expression of DMT1 (?IRE) in CPu and SN was not altered significantly after 3 days of ICV. Whereas the expression of DMT1 (?IRE) decreased significantly after 7 days of ICV when ferrous iron was increased significantly. Contrary to that of DMT1 (?IRE) in the same regions, there were no significant alterations in DMT1 (+IRE) expression in CPu and SN in spite of the existence of the altered iron levels, compared with that of control groups. The results demonstrate that DMT1 (?IRE) expression was correlated probably with brain iron levels; especially, its regulation was correlated with ferrous iron (not ferric iron) in CPu and SN in adult rats, compared with those of saline‐injected control rats. The effect of ferrous iron on the expression of DMT1 (?IRE) in the brain also suggests that it might play a major physiological role in brain iron uptake and transport, but further studies are needed to clarify these issues. Anat Rec, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Age-dependent and iron-independent expression of two mRNA isoforms of divalent metal transporter 1 in rat brain

The DMT1(Nramp2/DCT1) is a newly discovered proton-coupled metal-ion transport protein. The cellular localization and functional characterization of DMT1 suggest that it might play a role in physiological iron transport in the brain. In the study, we evaluated effects of dietary iron and age on iron content and DMT1 expression in four brain regions: cortex, hippocampus, striatum, substantia nigra. Total iron content in all regions was significantly lower in the low-iron diet rats and higher in the high-iron diet rats than that in the control animals, showing that dietary iron treatment for 6-weeks can alter brain iron levels. Contrary to our expectation, there was no significant alternation in DMT1(+IRE) and (-IRE) mRNA expression and protein content in all brain regions examined in spite of the existence of the altered iron levels in these regions after 6-weeks' diet treatment although TfR mRNA expression and protein level were affected significantly, as was expected. The data demonstrates that expression of DMT1(+IRE) and (-IRE) was not regulated by iron in these regions of adult rats. The lack of response of DMT1 to iron status in the brain suggests that the IRE of brain DMT1 mRNA might be not really iron-responsive and that DMT1-mediated iron transport might be not the rate-limiting step in brain iron uptake in adult rats. Our findings also showed that development can significantly affect brain iron and DMT1(+IRE) and (-IRE) expression but the effect varies in different brain regions, indicating a regionally specific regulation in the brain.     

Changes of ferrous iron and its transporters after intracerebral hemorrhage in rats

Objective: Ferrous iron is a major source inducing oxidative stress after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Divalent metal transporter1 (DMT1) is the important and well-known plasma membrane transport protein which was proved to be involved in the transport of free ferrous iron in mammals. Ferroportin 1 (FPN1) is the unique exporter of ferrous iron from mammalian cells. The role of DMT1 and FPN1 in brain after ICH is still not elucidated. Therefore, we measure the expression of DMT1 and FPN1, to explore the correlations between ferrous iron and its specific transporters after ICH. Methods: Ninety-six Sprague-Dawley rats received intra-striatal infusions of 0.5 U type IV collagenase to establish ICH model. Ferrous iron content in brain was determined using Turnbull’s method. DMT1 and FPN1 expression were examined by immunohistochemical staining and Real-Time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). With the use of confocal laser microscopy, we determined the colocalization of DMT1 and FPN1 at 1, 3, 7 and 14 days after ICH. Results: Ferrous iron deposition was shown in the perihematomal zone as early as 1 day after ICH; it reached a peak after 7 days and was not elevated within 14 days following ICH. The expression of the DMT1 upregulated and reached to peak at day 7 after ICH. FPN1 reached a plateau at 3 days post-ICH. Expression levels of DMT1 and FPN1 were in parallel with ferrous iron deposition. There was a positive correlation between FPN1 and DMT1. DMT1 mainly localized in the cytoplasm of glias and neurons. FPN1 were mostly distributed on the membrane of endothelial cells and glias. Confocal microscope showed that DMT1 colocalized with FPN1. Conclusions: DMT1 and FPN1 are positively influenced by ferrous iron status in brain after ICH. DMT1 and FPN1 attenuate iron overload after ICH via increasing transmembrane iron export.     

Expression of divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) isoforms in first trimester human placenta and embryonic tissues

BACKGROUND: Divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) is a transmembrane glycoprotein which mediates the proton-coupled transport of a variety of divalent metal ions. Two isoforms, which differ by the presence (DMT1-IRE) or absence (DMT1-nonIRE) of an iron-responsive element (IRE) in their 3' untranslated region, are implicated in apical iron transport and endosomal iron transport respectively. Although the expression pattern of DMT1 isoforms is tissue specific in adult, data regarding its expression in embryonic tissues are lacking. METHODS: Semiquantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry were used to study the mRNA and protein expression of both DMT1 isoforms in embryonic tissues between 8 and 14 weeks gestational age. RESULTS: DMT1-IRE and DMT1-nonIRE expressions were ubiquitous in embryonic tissues examined. In the lung, statistically significant correlations were found between the levels of DMT1 isoform expression and gestational age. In the placenta, DMT1-IRE was the predominantly expressed isoform. Both isoform proteins were localized in embryonic epithelial cellular membrane. CONCLUSION: Both DMT1 isoforms are ubiquitously expressed in embryonic tissues in the first trimester. Predominant DMT1-IRE isoform expression in placenta suggests an iron-regulatory mechanism reminiscent of that in the adult duodenum. Epithelial distributions of both DMT1 isoforms are associated with the absorptive or excretory functions of the expressed tissues.     

Up-regulation of divalent metal transporter 1 is involved in 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP(+))-induced apoptosis in MES23.5 cells

Apoptosis has been identified as one of the important mechanisms involved in the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease (PD). Our previous study showed increased iron levels in the substantia nigra as well as loss of dopaminergic neurons in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-induced PD mouse models. 1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP⁺) is commonly used to establish a cellular model of PD. Although intracellular iron plays a crucial role in MPP⁺-induced apoptosis, the molecular mechanism linking increased iron and MPP⁺-induced neurodegeneration is largely unknown. In the present study, we investigate the involvement of divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) that accounts for the ferrous iron transport in MPP⁺-treated MES23.5 cells. In the treated cells, a significant influx of ferrous iron was observed. This resulted in a decreased mitochondrial membrane potential. Additionally, an elevated level of ROS production and activation of caspase-3 were also detected, as well as the subsequent cell apoptosis. These effects could be fully abolished by iron chelator desferal (DFO). Increased DMT1 (−IRE) expression but not DMT1 (+IRE) accounted for the increased iron influx. However, there were no changes for iron regulatory protein 1 (IRP1), despite decreased expression of IRP2. Iron itself had no effect on IRP1 and IRP2 expression. Our data suggest that although DMT1 mRNA contains an iron responsive element, its expression is not totally controlled by this. MPP⁺ could up-regulate the expression of DMT1 (−IRE) in an IRE/IRP-independent manner. Our findings also show that MPP⁺-induced apoptosis in MES23.5 cells involves DMT1-dependent iron influx and mitochondria dysfunction.     

Quinacrine attenuates increases in divalent metal transporter-1 and iron levels in the rat hippocampus,after kainate-induced neuronal injury

The present investigation was carried out to elucidate the effect of the antimalarial drug quinacrine on levels of expression of the non-heme iron transporter, divalent metal transporter-1 (DMT1) and iron, in the hippocampus of rats after kainate treatment. The untreated hippocampus was lightly stained for DMT1, while an increase in DMT1 staining in astrocytes in the degenerating cornu ammonis (CA) fields, after kainate lesions. The increased DMT1 immunoreactivity was correlated with increased levels of Fe3+ and Fe2+ staining in the CA fields, as demonstrated by iron histochemistry (Perl's and Turnbull's blue stain for Fe3+ and Fe2+). The increases in DMT1 and iron staining were significantly attenuated by quinacrine. Rats injected with kainate and daily i.p. injections of quinacrine (5 mg/kg) for 7 days or 2 weeks showed significantly lower levels of DMT1 immunoreactivity and iron staining, compared with rats injected with kainate and saline. These results show that DMT1 expression is closely linked to iron levels, and provide further support for a crucial role that DMT1 plays in iron accumulation in the degenerating hippocampus.     

Distribution of divalent metal transporter-1 in the monkey basal ganglia

An accumulation of iron occurs in the brain with age, and it is thought that this may contribute to the pathology of certain neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease. In this study, we elucidated the distribution of divalent metal transporter-1 (DMT1) in the monkey basal ganglia by immunocytochemistry, and compared it with the distribution of ferrous iron in these nuclei by Turnbull's Blue histochemical staining. We observed a general correlation between levels of DMT1, and iron staining. Thus, regions such as the caudate nucleus, putamen, and substantia nigra pars reticulata contained dense staining of DMT1 in astrocytic processes, and were also observed to contain large numbers of ferrous iron granules. The exceptions were the globus pallidus externa and interna, which contained light DMT1 staining, but large numbers of ferrous iron granules. The thalamus, subthalamic nucleus, and substantia nigra pars compacta contained neurons that were lightly stained for DMT1, but few or no iron granules. The high levels of DMT1 expression in some of the nuclei of the basal ganglia, particularly the caudate nucleus, putamen, and substantia nigra pars reticulata, may account for the high levels of iron in these regions.