Expression of fos-related antigen-2 in rat hippocampus after middle cerebral arterial occlusion

AP-1 transcription factors have been shown to be induced in the brain after ischemic injury. However, their roles in neuronal survival or death have y et to be defined. Here, we report the discovery of elevated nuclear levels of fos-related antigen-2 (FRA-2) in the nuclei of hippocampal neurons seven days after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Expression of FRA-2 an d AP-1 DNA binding activity is elevated in hippocampi ipsilateral as well a s contralateral to MCAO. Using Fluoro-Jade staining as a marker of neurodeg eneration, FRA-2 was not found to be expressed in degenerating neurons. Thu s, FRA-2 is expressed in neurons that survive ischemic insult suggesting a role for this transcription factor in neuronal adaptation to the post-injur y state. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.