Abstract
Background:Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is a major form of preterm brain injury. Na + -K + -Cl - 1 cotransporter (NKCC1) expression on neurons and astrocytes is developmentally regulated and mediates Cl - reversal potential. We hypothesized that NKCC1 is highly expressed on oligodendrocytes (OLs) and increases vulnerability to hypoxia-ischemia (HI) mediated white matter injury, and that the NKCC1 inhibitor bumetanide would be protective in a rodent PVL model.Methods:Immunohistochemistry in Long-Evans rats and PLP-EGFP transgenic mice was used to establish cell-specific expression of NKCC1 in the immature rodent brain. HI was induced on postnatal day 6 (P6) in rats and the protective efficacy of bumetanide (0.3 mg/kg/i.p. q12h × 60 h) established.Results:NKCC1 was expressed on OLs and subplate neurons through the first 2 postnatal weeks, peaking in white matter and the subplate between P3-7. Following HI, NKCC1 is expressed on OLs and neurons. Bumetanide treatment significantly attenuates myelin basic protein loss and neuronal degeneration 7 d post-HI.Conclusion:Presence and relative overexpression of NKCC1 in rodent cerebral cortex coincides with a period of developmental vulnerability to HI white matter injury in the immature prenatal brain. The protective efficacy of bumetanide in this model of preterm brain injury suggests that Cl - transport is a factor in PVL and that its inhibition may have clinical application in premature human infants.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 554-562 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Pediatric research |
Volume | 77 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Apr 19 2015 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health