Brain aromatase expression after experimental stroke: Topography and time course

Carswell, H., Dominiczak, A. , Garcia-Segura, L., Harada, N., Hutchison, J. and Macrae, I. (2005) Brain aromatase expression after experimental stroke: Topography and time course. Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 96(1), pp. 89-91. (doi: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2005.02.016)

Abstract

Brain aromatase has been shown to be increased in expression after neurotoxic damage and to exert neuroprotection via generation of local oestrogens. The present study investigates the topography and time course of brain aromatase expression after experimental stroke (middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)). Ovariectomised stroke prone spontaneously hypertensive rats underwent distal MCAO by electrocoagulation. Immunohistochemistry revealed increased brain aromatase expression at 24 h and 8 days in the cortical penumbra/peri-infarct zones with no increase evident at 2 h or 30 days post-MCAO. Double label studies indicate that some of the increased aromatase expression is associated with astrocytic processes. Thus, this is the first evidence that aromatase protein is increased after MCAO and the location (peri-infarct), time course (within 24 h) and cellular localisation (astrocytic) indicate the potential for aromatase to promote the survival of cells in the penumbra after experimental stroke by local synthesis of oestrogens.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Dominiczak, Professor Anna and Macrae, Professor Mhairi
• Authors: Carswell, H., Dominiczak, A., Garcia-Segura, L., Harada, N., Hutchison, J., and Macrae, I.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Psychology & Neuroscience
• Journal Name: Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• ISSN: 0960-0760