A New Tool for In Vivo Study of Astrocyte Connexin 43 in Brain.
Sci Rep
; 9(1): 18292, 2019 12 04.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-31797899
ABSTRACT
Astrocytes are glial cells organized in dynamic and structured networks in the brain. These plastic networks, involving key proteins such as connexin 43 (Cx43), are engaged in fine neuronal tuning and have recently been considered as emerging therapeutic targets in central nervous system disorders. We developed and validated a new application of the manganese-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MEMRI) technique allowing in vivo investigations of astrocyte-neuron interactions through quantification of brain Cx43 functional activity. The proof of concept has been achieved by quantification of MEMRI signals in brain after either local astrocyte-specific Cx43 knockdown with shRNA or systemic administration of Cx43 blockers. Unilateral hippocampal Cx43 genetical silencing was associated with an ipsilateral local increase of MEMRI signal. Furthermore, Cx43 blockers also enhanced MEMRI signal responses in hippocampus. Altogether, these data reveal the MEMRI technique as a tool for quantitative imaging of in vivo Cx43-dependent function in astrocytes under physiological and pathological conditions.
Texto completo:
1
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Encéfalo
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Imagen por Resonancia Magnética
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Astrocitos
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Conexina 43
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Manganeso
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Neuronas
Límite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Sci Rep
Año:
2019
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Francia