Cyclooxygenase-2 immunoreactivity and protein level in the gerbil hippocampus during normal aging

Neurochem Res. 2010 Jan;35(1):99-106. doi: 10.1007/s11064-009-0034-5. Epub 2009 Jul 12.

Abstract

Cyclooxygenases-2 (COX-2) is not only related to inflammation but also plays critical roles in brain development and synaptic signaling. In the present study, we investigated age-related changes in COX-2 immunoreactivity and protein levels in the gerbil hippocampus. In the hippocampal CA1 region (CA1) and dentate gyrus (DG), weak COX-2 immunoreactivity was observed at postnatal month 1 (PM 1), and COX-2 immunoreactivity was markedly increased at PM 18 and 24. In the CA2/3, COX-2 immunoreactivity was strong at PM 1. COX-2 immunoreactivities in the PM 3, 6 and 12 groups were decreased compared to that in the PM 1 group, and it was increased at PM 18 and 24. In addition, age-related changes in COX-2 levels were similar with immunohistochemical results in the CA2/3. These results suggest that COX-2 immunoreactivity and levels were high in the hippocampus of aged gerbils.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aging / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Blotting, Western
  • Cyclooxygenase 2 / metabolism*
  • Gerbillinae
  • Hippocampus / enzymology
  • Hippocampus / metabolism*
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Cyclooxygenase 2