CHOLINE-ACETYLTRANSFERASE, NERVE GROWTH-FACTOR AND CYTOKINE LEVELS ARE CHANGED IN CONGENITALLY HYDROCEPHALIC HTX RATS

The forebrain cholinergic system is correlated with learning ability a nd memory function. Here changes in choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) a ctivities, nerve growth factor (NGF) concentrations and expression of IL-1 beta and IL-6 genes were determined in the basal forebrain, parie to-occipital cortex and hippocampus of hydrocephalic and nonhydrocepha lic HTX rats. ChAT activity was remarkably decreased in the parieto-oc cipital cortex of hydrocephalic animals compared to the other two regi ons. On the other hand, the NGF concentration in the parieto-occipital cortex was markedly increased during the progression of hydrocephalus compared to the basal forebrain and hippocampus. IL-1 beta and IL-6 m -RNA were detectable only in hydrocephalic HTX rats. The disturbance o f uptake and transport of NGF in the affected cerebral cortex is partl y related to the psychomotor maldevelopment of congenital hydrocephali c children.