Brain research. Molecular brain research
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Brain Res. Mol. Brain Res. · Jul 2002
Altered expression and phosphorylation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors in piglet striatum after hypoxia-ischemia.
The mechanisms for the profound degeneration of striatal neurons after hypoxia-ischemia in newborns are not understood. We hypothesized that this striatal neurodegeneration is related to N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-mediated excitotoxicity. Using a 1-week-old piglet model of hypoxia-ischemia, we evaluated whether the expression and phosphorylation of NMDA receptor subunits in striatum are modified with severity of evolving neuronal injury after hypoxia-ischemia. ⋯ NR2B levels were increased at 24 h after hypoxia-ischemia. Astrocyte expression of NR2B was prominent after hypoxia-ischemia. We conclude that NMDA receptors are changed in striatum after neonatal hypoxia-ischemia and that abnormal NMDA receptor potentiation through increased NR1 phosphorylation may participate in the mechanisms of striatal neuron degeneration after hypoxia-ischemia.