Date of Award

6-1998

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Program

Anatomy and Neurobiology

Research Advisor

Eldon E. Geisert, Jr.

Committee

D. J. Donaldson Thaddeus S. Nowak John B. Schweitzer Dalton J. Surmeier

Keywords

oligodendrocyte, astrocyte, gliogenesis, tetramenbrane spanning family

Abstract

The present study defines the expression pattern of rTAPA (CD81) in the developing rat brain. rTAPA is a member of the tetramembrane spanning family of proteins, and like other members of this family, appears to be associated with the stabilization of cellular contacts. On immunoblots of the brain, rTAPA is present in higher levels than any other tissue examined: muscle, tendon, peripheral nerve, cartilage, liver, kidney, skin, and testicle. Immunohistochemical methods were used to define the distribution of rTAPA in the brain. This protein is expressed by ependyma, choroid plexus, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes, and rTAPA is dramatically upregulated at the time of glial birth and maturation. At embryonic day 18, the levels of rTAPA are low, with most of the immunoreaction product associated with the ependyma, choroid plexus, and the glia limitans. As development continues, the amount of rTAPA expressed in the brain increases and at postnatal day 14 the levels approach those of the adult. This increase of rTAPA at postnatal day 14 is due to the upregulation in the gray and white matter. Thus, rTAPA is found in all glial cells and the level of this protein correlates with their maturation.

DOI

10.21007/etd.cghs.1998.0304

Comments

Two year embargo expired June 2000

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