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.