GLAST MESSENGER-RNA EXPRESSION IN THE PERIVENTRICULAR AREA OF EXPERIMENTAL HYDROCEPHALUS

GLUTAMATE transporters play an important role in maintaining the extra cellular glutamate concentration below the neurotoxic level. We invest igated the expression of glutamate/aspartate transporter (GLAST) mRNA in the periventricular region of rats with kaolin-induced hydrocephalu s by in situ hybridization (ISH). The density of GLAST mRNA-positive c ells and the level of hybridization signals per positive cell signific antly increased in the acute stage of hydrocephalus. We also demonstra ted co-localization of GLAST mRNA and GFAP immunoreactivity in a singl e cell using the combined methods of ISH and immunohistochemistry. The se findings suggest that GLAST is expressed in the reactive astrocytes of the periventricular area and regulates extracellular glutamate con centration after hydrocephalic brain injury.