Abstract
The ventrobasal(VB) nucleus has been studied after ablation of somatosensory cortex in 39 adult rats by the application of both NSE- and S-100 protein-immunoreactivity. Both NSE- and S-100 protein-immunoreactivity are confirmed in neurons and reactive astrocytes in the affected VB area and its surroundings, respectively. The NSE-immunoreactivity first starts in the affected VB at seven days postlesion and appears more active in its surrounding area at fourteen days postlesion. At the twenty-eight days, NSE-positive neurons are reduced in number and their stainability becomes weak. The time course of NSE-immunoreactivity is based on the progression of neuronal damage. And it is conceivable that the accumulation of NSE in neurons correlates with the regeneration. The S-100 protein-immunoreactivity is also first detected in the affected area at seven days postlesion and spread in its surrounding area at fourteen days postlesion. At twenty-eight days, S-100 protein-positive astrocytes are reduced in cell volume and their processes become thin. The time course of S-100 protein-immunoreactivity correlates with the degree of astrocytic hypertrophy. And the potent accumulation of S-100 protein appears after the onset of gliosis. The onset of neuronal damage and the repair process can be followed with immunohistochemical technique for both NSE and S-100protein morphologically. Namely, NSE and S-100 protein can be of potential use as markers for destructive processes in the CNS (14).
