Expression of the translocator protein of 18 kDa by microglia, macrophages and astrocytes based on immunohistochemical localization in abnormal human brain
Top Cited Papers
Open Access
- 29 April 2009
- journal article
- Published by Wiley in Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology
- Vol. 35 (3), 306-328
- https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2990.2008.01006.x
Abstract
Aims: Microglia are involved in neurodegeneration, are prime targets for anti‐inflammatory therapy and are potential biomarkers of disease progression. For example, positron emission tomography imaging employing radioligands for the mitochondrial translocator protein of 18 kDa (TSPO, formerly known as the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor) is being scrutinized to detect neuroinflammation in various diseases. TSPO is presumably present in activated microglia, but may be present in other neural cells. Methods: We sought to elucidate the protein expression in normal human central nervous system, several neurological diseases (HIV encephalitis, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis and stroke) and simian immunodeficiency virus encephalitis by performing immunohistochemistry with two anti‐TSPO antibodies. Results: Although the overall parenchymal staining was minimal in normal brain, endothelial and smooth muscle cells, subpial glia, intravascular monocytes and ependymal cells were TSPO‐positive. In disease states, elevated TSPO was present in parenchymal microglia, macrophages and some hypertrophic astrocytes, but the distribution of TSPO varied depending on the disease, disease stage and proximity to the lesion or relation to infection. Staining with the two antibodies correlated well in white matter, but one antibody also stained cortical neurones. Quantitative analysis demonstrated a significant increase in TSPO in the white matter of HIV encephalitis compared with brains without encephalitis. TSPO expression was also increased in simian immunodeficiency virus encephalitis. Conclusions: This report provides the first comprehensive immunohistochemical analysis of the expression of TSPO. The results are useful for informing the usage of positron emission tomography as an imaging modality and have an impact on the potential use of TSPO as an anti‐inflammatory pharmacological target.Keywords
This publication has 72 references indexed in Scilit:
- PK11195 labels activated microglia in Alzheimer's disease and in vivo in a mouse model using PETNeurobiology of Aging, 2009
- Longitudinal in Vivo Positron Emission Tomography Imaging of Infected and Activated Brain Macrophages in a Macaque Model of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Encephalitis Correlates with Central and Peripheral Markers of Encephalitis and Areas of Synaptic DegenerationThe American Journal of Pathology, 2008
- Cognitive Dysfunction in Mice Infected withPlasmodium bergheiStrain ANKAThe Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2008
- Systemic and Brain Macrophage Infections in Relation to the Development of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus EncephalitisJournal of Virology, 2008
- Translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO): Molecular sensor of brain injury and repairPharmacology & Therapeutics, 2008
- The high affinity peripheral benzodiazepine receptor ligand DAA1106 binds to activated and infected brain macrophages in areas of synaptic degeneration: Implications for PET imaging of neuroinflammation in lentiviral encephalitisNeurobiology of Disease, 2008
- Kinetic analysis in healthy humans of a novel positron emission tomography radioligand to image the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor, a potential biomarker for inflammationNeuroImage, 2007
- The Role of Ets Transcription Factors in the Basal Transcription of the Translocator Protein (18 kDa)Biochemistry, 2007
- The peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (Translocator protein 18kDa) in microglia: From pathology to imagingProgress in Neurobiology, 2006
- CD45 Isoform Expression in Microglia and Inflammatory Cells in HIV‐1 EncephalitisBrain Pathology, 2006