Effects of mild induced hypothermia on hippocampal connexin 43 and glutamate transporter 1 expression following traumatic brain injury in rats

Li,Yue‑Hong; Zhang,Chun‑Lai; Zhang,Xiao‑Yan; Zhou,Hong‑Xia; Meng,Ling‑Li

doi:10.3892/mmr.2014.2928

Effects of mild induced hypothermia on hippocampal connexin 43 and glutamate transporter 1 expression following traumatic brain injury in rats

Authors:
- Yue‑Hong Li
- Chun‑Lai Zhang
- Xiao‑Yan Zhang
- Hong‑Xia Zhou
- Ling‑Li Meng
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Affiliations: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tangshan Gongren Hospital, Tangshan, Hebei 063000, P.R. China, Department of Cardiology, Tangshan Gongren Hospital, Tangshan, Hebei 063000, P.R. China, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hebei United University, Tangshan, Hebei 063000, P.R. China
Published online on: November 12, 2014 https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2014.2928
Pages: 1991-1996

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Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common cause of worldwide disability and mortality. Currently, the incidence and prevalence of TBI is markedly increasing and an effective therapy is lacking. Therapeutic hypothermia (32‑35˚C) has been reported to reduce intracranial pressure and induce putative neuroprotective effects. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain to be elucidated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of mild induced hypothermia (MIH) on the expression of connexin 43 (Cx43) and glutamate transporter 1 (GLT‑1) in the hippocampus following TBI in rats. A rat model of TBI was created using a modified weight‑drop device, followed by 4 h of hypothermia (33˚C) or normothermia (37˚C). A wet‑dry weight method was used to assess brain edema and spatial learning ability was evaluated using a Morris water maze. The levels of Cx43 and GLT‑1 were detected by immunohistochemical and western blot analysis, respectively. The results demonstrated that MIH treatment improved TBI‑induced brain edema and neurological function deficits. In addition, therapeutic MIH significantly downregulated Cx43 expression and upregulated the levels of GLT‑1 in the hippocampus post‑TBI. These findings suggested that treatment with MIH may provide a novel neuroprotective therapeutic strategy for TBI through reversing the increase in Cx43 protein and the decrease in GLT‑1.

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