Expression of the thymosin beta(10) gene in normal and kainic acid-treatedrat forebrain

Thymosin plo (TP,,) is a small actin-sequestering peptide widely distribute d in mammalian tissues including nervous system. Here, we analyze the expre ssion of TP,, gene in normal and kainic acid (KA)-treated rat forebrain by in situ hybridization. Our results showed a defined regional pattern of the mRNA encoding for T beta(10) in both normal and KA-treated rat forebrain. The presence of this transcript in different regions of the rat forebrain, including hippocampus, neocortex and several brain nuclei, provides evidenc e for the participation of TP,, in the control of the actin dynamics that t akes place in neurons. Furthermore, the analysis of the forebrain in KA-tre ated rats revealed an activation of the T beta(10) gene linked to gliosis. (C) 1999 Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.