Korean J Otolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2001 Dec;44(12):1242-1252.

Activation of cAMP-Response Element Binding Protein in the Brain Stem Nuclei during Vestibular Compensation in Unilateral Labyrinthectomizied Rats

• Woon SD
• Lee JH
• Kim JH
• Kim MS
• Park BR

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The p-CREB (phospholyated form of cAMP/calcium response element binding protein) was known to be one of transcription factors for immediate early genes in the brain stem nuclei. The purpose of this present study was to evaluate time-dependent expression of p-CREB and investigate the effect of MK801, non-competitive NMDA channel blocker, on p-CREB expression following unilateral labyrinthectomy (ULX).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Adult Sprague-Dalwey rats weighing 250-300 g were divided into a control group and an unilateral labyrinthetomy (ULX) group. The intraperitoneal injection of MK801 was administered either 30 min before or 24 hrs after ULX. The ABC immunohistochemical staining and digital image analysis system were used to measure the p-CREB expression in neuronal cells.
RESULTS
The peak level of p-CREB expressions in 4 major vestibular nuclei was observed bilaterally with the other brain stem nuclei including reticular formation and olivary complex at 30 min following ULX. Thereafter, the p-CREB immunoreactivity in these nuclei was reduced rapidly to the control level for 6 hrs after ULX. Treatment of MK801 for 30 min preceding ULX decreased p-CREB immunoreactivity significantly in both the injured and intact sides of the 4 major vestibular nuclei with dose-dependent relationship. However, MK801 did not affect the change of p-CREB immunoreactivity in bilateral vestibular complex 24 hrs after ULX.
CONCLUSION
These results suggest that cAMP/calcium response element binding protein plays an important role in the initial events of vestibular compensation in which its activity is in part regulated by NMDA receptor.

Keyword

p-CREB protein; NMDA receptor; Vestibular compensation; Unilateral labyrinthectomy

MeSH Terms

Adult
Animals
Brain Stem*
Brain*
Carrier Proteins*
Compensation and Redress*
Dizocilpine Maleate
Genes, Immediate-Early
Humans
Injections, Intraperitoneal
N-Methylaspartate
Neurons
Rats*
Response Elements
Reticular Formation
Transcription Factors
Vestibular Nuclei
Carrier Proteins
Dizocilpine Maleate
N-Methylaspartate
Transcription Factors