ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE@#To investigate Homer protein expression after focal brain contusion and explore the relationship between expression and injury time.@*METHODS@#Focal brain contusion in rats was established and Homer protein expression in brain at different injury intervals after contusion was detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting.@*RESULTS@#A small amount of Homer positive expression cells were detected in control group, sham operated group and experimental group (0.5 h after contusion). The amount of Homer positive expression cells increased after 3 h and reached peak 12 h after contusion. The amount of positive cells continued to decrease 1 d after contusion and to the base level 7 d after contusion. Homer protein expression based on immunohistochemistry and Western blotting had statistical difference among adjacent groups.@*CONCLUSION@#Expression of Homer protein near the focal contusion area shows time dependence after brain contusion in rats.