LOCALIZATION OF AQP4 IN RAT BRAIN / 解剖学报

ABSTRACT

Objective The localization of AQP4 was studied in the brain,especially,in the periventricular organs,such as ependyma,choroid plexues,area postrema(AP) and neurohypophysis,and telencephalon as well as two kinds of endocrine glandpineal gland and adenohypophysis,so as to provide morphological basis for water transport and balance,the secretion and regulation mechanisms of endocrine gland in the brain. Methods Immunohistochemical staining techniques(LAB-SA,BCIP/NBT) were used. Results AQP4 was most abundantly expressed in the tissues directly contacting with CSF,including the cerebral pia mater,ependyma lining of ventricules and the aqueductal system and choroid plexues.Heavy express of AQP4 was also found in the perivascular glial processes of the brain tissue.In addition,AQP4 was also distributed to the pyramidal cell layer of hippocampus,granular cell layer and polymorphic cell layer of dentate gyrus,adenohypophysis(intermedius included) and pineal gland cells as well as the periventricular organs such as area postrema(AP) and neurohypophysis.Conclusion The localization of AQP4 indicates that AQP4 is involved in not only the transport and balance of water,electrolyte metabolism and the regulation of secretion of the endocrine gland,but also in the neuroendocrine activity of the hypothalamus.