Med. Weter. 71 (12), 778-781, 2015
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| Jaworska-Adamu J., Krawczyk A., Rycerz K., Szalak R., Krawczyk-Marć I., Wawrzyniak A. |
| Immunohistochemical study of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in astrocytes of the peria-queductal gray matter in adult males of the chinchilla |
| Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) associated with intermediate filaments is a specific marker of astrocyte cells. Brain areas in adult animals of various species show a relatively constant level of differentiation of astro-cytes, as well as of the density and expression of GFAP. The periaqueductal gray matter (PAG) of the midbrain integrates behavioural responses that include, among others, defence, pain and emotional reactions. Astrocytes of this region can play a key role in these processes. Under the influence of neurodegenerative diseases and many other factors, these glial cells undergo morphological and functional changes. Therefore, it seems essential to know the distribution and structure of astrocytes in the pathologically unchanged brain. The aim of this study was to determine the distribution and morphology of GFAP-immunoreactive astrocytes and to perform a mor-phometric evaluation of the PAG in adult males of the chinchilla. In the present study, peroxidase-antiperoxidase immunohistochemical reaction was carried out with a specific antibody against GFAP. GFAP-immunopositive astrocytes of the PAG were examined under a light microscope. A uniform distribution of many glial cells was demonstrated in the dorsal, dorsolateral and ventrolateral parts of the PAG. Morphometric analy-sis revealed the highest number of astrocytes in the dorsolateral PAG. Our research suggests that a significant accumulation of astrocytes in this part of the PAG in adult males of the chinchilla may reflect their involvement in active defensive mechanisms such as fight and flight. Our results regarding astrocyte GFAP in the PAG may provide a basis for further research on the impact of stressors and pathogens on the number, distribution and morphology of astrocytes and the expression of GFAP. |
| Key words: astrocytes, GFAP, periaqueductal gray matter, Chinchilla |