Mitochondrial Translocator Protein (TSPO) Expression in the Brain After Whole Body Gamma Irradiation.

ABSTRACT: The brain's early response to low dose ionizing radiation, as may be encountered during diagnostic procedures and space exploration, is not yet fully characterized. In the brain parenchyma, the mitochondrial translocator protein (TSPO) is constitutively expressed at low levels by endothelial cells, and can therefore be used to assess the integrity of the brain's vasculature. At the same time, the inducible expression of TSPO in activated microglia, the brain's intrinsic immune cells, is a regularly observed early indicator of subtle or incipient brain pathology. Here, we explored the use of TSPO as a biomarker of brain tissue injury following whole body irradiation. Post-radiation responses were measured in C57BL/6 wild type (Tspo ^+/+) and TSPO knockout (Tspo

SUBMITTER: Betlazar C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8573390 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature