Work

Protease nexin-1. Localization in the human brain suggests a protective role against extravasated serine proteases.

Year: 1990

Type: article

Abstract: Protease nexin-1 (PN-1) is a potent thrombin inhibitor that is identical to the glia-derived neurite-promoting factor or glia-derived nexin. Here we report immunocytochemical studies of adult human cerebral cortex that revealed the presence of strong immunoreactivity for PN-1 in capillaries and in the smooth muscle cells of arteries and arterioles. Expression of PN-1 was also abundant in astroglial processes in the parenchyma and in perivascular astroglial endfeet of human cerebral cortex. In situ hybridization with an 35S-labeled RNA antisense probe for PN-1 resulted in significant labeling of astrocytes and blood vessels. Because thrombin is known to cause retraction of neurites and modification of astrocytic morphology at low concentrations, PN-1 around blood vessels may play a major protective role against extravasation of thrombin and possibly other serine protease into the human brain.

Source: Europe PMC (PubMed Central)

Authors: B H Choi, M Suzuki, T Kim, S L Wagner, D D Cunningham

Institution: University of California, Irvine

Language: English

Topic: Blood Coagulation and Thrombosis Mechanisms

Subfield: Hematology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institutes of Health

Awards: PROTEASE NEXINS--INTERACTIONS WITH REGULATORY PROTEASES, EFFECTS OF METHYLMERCURY ON BRAIN