Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I gene expression in single neurons of the central nervous system: differential regulation by interferon (IFN)-gamma and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha.

ABSTRACT: This study examined the effect of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) on the induction of MHC class I-related genes in functionally mature brain neurons derived from cultures of dissociated rat hippocampal tissue. Patch clamp electrophysiology combined with single cell RT-PCR demonstrated that approximately 50% of the untreated neurons contained mRNA for MHC class I heavy chains, while, with few exceptions, the cells failed to transcribe beta2-microglobulin and TAP1/TAP2 gene transcripts. No constitutive expression of MHC class I protein was detectable by confocal laser microscopy on the surface of neurons. All neurons transcribed the alpha-chain of the interferon-type II receptor (binding IFN-gamma) along with the p55 rec

SUBMITTER: Neumann H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2196130 | biostudies-literature | 1997 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature