查看文章

Astroglia play multiple roles in brain function by providing matrix to neurons, secreting neurotrophic factors, maintaining K⁺ and glutamate homeostasis and thereby controlling synaptic plasticity which undergoes alterations during aging. K⁺ and glutamate homeostasis is maintained by astrocytes membrane bound inwardly rectifying K⁺ channel (Kir4.1) and glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1 or EAAT-2) proteins, respectively in the synapse and their expression may be altered due to traumatic brain injury (TBI). Also, it is not well understood whether this change is age dependent. To find out this, TBI was experimentally induced in adult and old male AKR strain mice using CHI technique, and expression of the Kir4.1 and GLT-1 in the pericontusional cortex at various time intervals was studied by Western blotting and semi quantitative RT-PCR techniques. Here, we report that expression of both Kir4.1 and GLT-1 …