Expression of the murine complement regulatory protein Crry by glial cellsand neurons

The expression of the murine complement regulatory protein, Crry, in the CN S remains largely unexplored. In this study, we examined murine astrocytes and microglia purified from neonatal brain and sections of adult murine bra in for the expression of Crry. Using RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, flow cytometry, and Western blot analysis, we demonstrated t hat astrocytes and microglia express Crry protein and RNA. Crry expression is greater on microglia than astrocytes and, as determined by Western blot analysis, each cell type expresses a Crry protein of different molecular we ight. Interestingly, neuronal expression of Crry was seen only at the RNA l evel. These data demonstrate Crry expression by astrocytes, microglia, and neurons in the murine CNS and suggest that Crry may play an important role in protecting the CNS against complement-mediated damage. (C) 1999 Wiley-Li ss, Inc.