[Abstract Title]. - Society for Neuroscience

Title: Messenger RNA and protein expression analysis of voltage-gated potassium channels,
Kv1.4 and Kv4.2, in rat facial nucleus after axotomy
Authors: *M. ARDEHALI, P.-P. VIDAL, I. VASSIAS, C. DE WAELE;
Dept LNRS, CNRS, Paris, France
Abstract: Facial nerve axotomy represents a model of the plasticity of cranial nerves. Several
studies have tried to describe subcellular changes that contribute to plastic changes in facial
motoneurons. In these experiments, after axotomy, a survey is made of the facial nucleus for a
particular synaptic transmitter, synaptic transmitter receptor or subcellular signalling molecule.
Morphological analyses in our laboratory by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry
have already demonstrated modifications in the expression of subunits of GABA and
glutamatergic receptors in axotomized facial motoneurons.
It has been hypothesized that modifications in voltage-gated potassium channels contribute to
plastic changes in facial nuclei neurons. The present study was designed to define whether the
expression of Kv1.4 and Kv4.2 receptor mRNA and protein is modified in facial nucleus
following unilateral axotomy.
The study was carried out on 24 adult male pigmented Long Evans rats. The facial nerve trunk
was unilaterally sectioned and the animals were sacrificed at 3, 8, 30, and 60 days after the
surgery. Kv1.4 and Kv4.2 receptor mRNA and protein expressions were analyzed by in situ
hybridization and immunohistofluorescence methods.
Our data revealed no difference in Kv1.4 and Kv4.2 receptor mRNA and protein labeling
between anotomized and intact facial nuclei at any time following the lesion. This was the same
in the control group.
In conclusion these findings demonstrate that Kv1.4 and Kv4.2 receptors do not play a role in the
plasticity of facial nerve nuclei. Our study might give clues for the understanding of molecular
mechanism of the plasticity of facial nerve motoneurons.
Disclosures: M. Ardehali , None; P. Vidal, None; I. Vassias, None; C. de Waele, None.
Poster
234. A-Type Potassium Channels
Time: Sunday, November 16, 2008, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Program#/Poster#: 234.13/C37
Topic: B.04.c. Potassium channels: Physiology
Support: NIH Grant NS045217
NIH Grant NS30989