Cyclooxygenase-2 expression in skeletal muscle of knockout mice suffering Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Histochem Cell Biol. 2013 May;139(5):685-9. doi: 10.1007/s00418-012-1056-7. Epub 2012 Nov 28.

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the role of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in fibrotic lesion in mdx mice. A total of six male C57BL/10 mice and six C57BL/10-DMD/mdx were distributed into two groups: control and animals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The medial part of gastrocnemius muscle was evaluated being the specimens stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Sirius Red under normal and polarized light to differentiate type I (red and yellow) and III (green) collagen. COX-2 expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry. The results revealed histopathological changes in C57BL/10-DMD/mdx as depicted by regenerating fibers. Sirius Red stain showed a substantial increase in the amount of type I collagen of mdx mice. DMD induced a strong COX-2 immunoexpression in intercellular space. Taken together, our results are consistent with the notion that necrotic and fibrotic lesions are able to increase COX-2 expression in DMD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cyclooxygenase 2 / biosynthesis*
  • Cyclooxygenase 2 / metabolism
  • Dystrophin / deficiency*
  • Dystrophin / metabolism
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Muscle, Skeletal / enzymology*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / metabolism
  • Muscle, Skeletal / pathology
  • Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne / enzymology*
  • Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne / pathology

Substances

  • Dystrophin
  • Cyclooxygenase 2