Immunohistochemical study of immunophilin 1-15 fragment in intact frog brain, and in the brain and spinal cord of intact and spinal cord hemisectioned rats

Neurochem Res. 2001 Nov;26(11):1225-30. doi: 10.1023/a:1013915306403.

Abstract

Previously by immunohistochemical technique the distribution of immunophilin 1-15 fragment (IphF) isolated from bovine hypothalamus was examined in various tissues (heart, lung), including immune system organs (spleen and thymus) of intact rats. IphF-like immunoreactivity (IphF-LI) was revealed in several cell types: lymphocytes, monocytes, macrophages and mast cells. In the present study the immunohistochemical localization of IphF was examined in intact rat and frog brains. In rat brain several cell groups concentrated particularly in the supraoptic nucleus (SON) of hypothalamus, medulla oblongata (reticular formation, olives, hypoglossal and facial motor nuclei) and cerebellum (lateral cerebellar nucleus) demonstrated IphF-LI. In frog hypothalamus (SON) the same working dilution (1:5000) of IphF-antiserum revealed very strong immunoreactivity. In the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) IphF-LI varicosities were scattered around the immunonegative cells. The second cell groups showing IphF-LI in the frog brain were gliocytes (mainly the astrocytes). Besides, IphF distribution was investigated in rats subjected to hemisection of spinal cord (SC) with and without administration of proline-rich polypeptide (PRP). PRP was isolated from bovine neurohypophysis neurosecretory granules, produced by magnocellular nuclei of hypothalamus. Hemisection of SC led to changes of IphF distribution in the hypothalamus. In PRP treated animals IphF showed no immunoreactivity. PRP is suggested to act as a neurotransmitter and neuroregulator.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / enzymology*
  • Capillaries / innervation
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Immunophilins / analysis
  • Immunophilins / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Nerve Fibers / metabolism
  • Neuropeptide Y / metabolism
  • Peptide Fragments / analysis*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Inbred Strains
  • Spinal Cord / enzymology*
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / enzymology*

Substances

  • Neuropeptide Y
  • Peptide Fragments
  • Immunophilins