Protocol for the longitudinal study of neuroinflammation and reactive astrocytes in Lcn2CreERT2 mice
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: During brain disease, astrocytes can reprogram into a reactive state that alters many of their functions. Here, we present a protocol for studying neuroinflammation and reactive astrogliosis in mice using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from E. coli . We describe steps for employing the Lcn2CreERT2 mouse crossed into a fluorescent Cre reporter line to label a subset of reactive astrocytes during and after inflammation. We then detail procedures for the longitudinal study of reactive astrocytes during the induction, progression, and/or resolution of astrogliosis. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Agnew-Svoboda et al. 1 • Protocol induces neuroinflammation to study reactive astrocytes in Lcn2CreERT2 mice • Three LPS treatments are described: low-dose, high-dose, and intrastriatal injection • Fluorescent labeling allows longitudinal tracking of reactive astrocytes for weeks • Steps for tissue preparation, sectioning, and immunohistochemistry are provided Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics. During brain disease, astrocytes can reprogram into a reactive state that alters many of their functions. Here, we present a protocol for studying neuroinflammation and reactive astrogliosis in mice using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from E. coli . We describe steps for employing the Lcn2CreERT2 mouse crossed into a fluorescent Cre reporter line to label a subset of reactive astrocytes during and after inflammation. We then detail procedures for the longitudinal study of reactive astrocytes during the induction, progression, and/or resolution of astrogliosis.
Source: STAR Protocols
Institution: University of California, Riverside
Language: English
Subfield: Neurology
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,500
OpenAlex ID: W4402630571