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Galectin-1 Enhances Astrocytic BDNF Production and Improves Functional Outcome in Rats Following Ischemia

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Abstract

Galectin-1, an endogenous mammalian lectin, has been implicated in a variety of CNS disorders. However, its role in cerebral ischemia is still elusive. In the present study, we investigated the effect of recombinant galectin-1 on production of astrocytic brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and functional recovery following ischemia. Endogenous galectin-1 was found to be markedly upregulated, paralleled with increased astrocytic BDNF production under ischemic conditions both in vitro and in vivo. Administration of galectin-1significantly enhanced the expression and secretion of astrocytic BDNF in dose dependent manner. Moreover, rats subjected to photochemical cerebral ischemia showed reduced neuronal apoptosis in ischemic boundary zone and improved functional recovery after brain infusion of galectin-1 (1 μg/days, 7 days). These results suggest that induction of BDNF in astrocytes by galectin-1 may be a promising intervention to attenuate brain damage after stroke.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by China National Funds for Distinguished Young Scientists (30725019), National Natural Science Foundation (30800341, 30971007, 30800340) and Medical Research Project of Henan (WKJ-2007-2-031).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China

    Wen-sheng Qu, Yi-hui Wang, Ying-xin Tang, Qiang Zhang, Dai-shi Tian, Zhi-yuan Yu, Min-jie Xie & Wei Wang

  2. Department of Neurology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450000, Zhengzhou, People’s Republic of China

    Jian-ping Wang

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  1. Wen-sheng Qu
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  2. Yi-hui Wang
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  5. Qiang Zhang
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  6. Dai-shi Tian
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  7. Zhi-yuan Yu
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  8. Min-jie Xie
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Correspondence to Min-jie Xie or Wei Wang.

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Wen-sheng Qu and Yi-hui Wang contributed equally to this work.

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Qu, Ws., Wang, Yh., Wang, Jp. et al. Galectin-1 Enhances Astrocytic BDNF Production and Improves Functional Outcome in Rats Following Ischemia. Neurochem Res 35, 1716–1724 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11064-010-0234-z

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