Summary
Ubiquitin is a protein that targets proteins for non-lysosomal degradation. It has been found to be present in a number of inclusions characteristic of neurodegenerative diseases. Using the fluid percussion model of diffuse axonal injury (DAI), we now report that the reactive axonal swellings and the retraction balls produced in this model stain positively with antiubiquitin immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, the affected axons become ubiquitin positive quickly (with-in the first 6 h after injury). Anti-ubiquitin immunohistochemistry compares well with the recently reported ability of antibodies to low molecular weight neurofilament proteins to demonstrate reactive axonal change in DAI, and it could provide additional clues to the pathogenesis of axonal transection.
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Supported by a grant from the NINDS (NS01230) and by a grant from the Baptist Memorial Health Care Foundation
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Schweitzer, J.B., Park, M.R., Einhaus, S.L. et al. Ubiquitin marks the reactive swellings of diffuse axonal injury. Acta Neuropathol 85, 503–507 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00230489
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00230489