Conclusion
Acute changes in the levels of these glycoproteins suggest involvement in circuit dismantling, whereas postacute levels may indicate a restorative or regenerative response associated with recovery from TBI.
Methods
Experimental diffuse TBI was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats (325-375 g) by midline fluid percussion injury (FPI); uninjured sham rats serve as controls. Tissue from the cortex, thalamus, and hippocampus was collected at 15 min, 1, 2, 6, and 18 hr postinjury as well as 1, 3, 7, and 14 days postinjury. All samples were quantified by Western blot for glycoproteins: fibronectin, laminin, reelin, and tenascin-C. Band intensities were normalized to sham and relative to β-actin.
Results
In the cortex, fibronectin decreased significantly at 15 min, 1 hr, and 2 hr postinjury, while tenascin-C decreased significantly at 7 and 14 days postinjury. In the thalamus, reelin decreased significantly at 2 hr, 3 and 14 days postinjury. In the hippocampus, tenascin-C increased significantly at 15 min and 7 days postinjury.