PubMed · 12113780
Isolating vessels from the mouse brain for gene expression analysis using laser capture microdissection.
Abstract
Studies of gene expression often examine a pool of RNA extracted from the diverse cell types making up a tissue. We have developed a method for isolating vessels from the brain in order to understand the changes occurring in the vessels during the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria. Vessels were visualised by incubating sections of mouse brain with a substrate for alkaline phosphatase. Vessels were collected by laser capture microdissection and the specificity was monitored by measuring the expression of cell-specific markers. RNA from the captured vessels was highly enriched in mRNA for genes associated with endothelial cells and pericytes. Measurement of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase mRNA indicated it was possible to detect changes in gene expression, due to malaria infection, occurring specifically within the vessels. Laser capture microdissection can be used to study changes in gene expression occurring at the blood-brain barrier.
Explore related subjects
Keep this discovery
Explore connections, maps & timelines
Helen J Ball, Brent McParland, Catherine Driussi, Nicholas H Hunt. 2002. Isolating vessels from the mouse brain for gene expression analysis using laser capture microdissection.. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1385-299x(02)00147-2
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.