Experimental Study On The Distribution Of Ngb Proteins In Rat Tissues And Expression Of Ngb Proteins After Traumatic Brain Injury In Rat

Backgrounds and purpose: Neuroglobin(Ngb) is a recently discovered member of the globins family, which is predominantly expressed in vertebrate nerve system. There is no report on immunohistochemical study concerning the expression of Ngb proteins in other organs and tissues besides brain. Here we explore the cellular and tissue localization of Ngb proteins in rat tissues with immunohistochemical study in order to provide detailed knowledge for further study concerning the physiological functions of Ngb. Methods: Five healthy male SD rats were deeply anesthetized and killed by way of perfusion, various tissues were immediately taken, after the steps of fixation, dewaxing and embedding, a series of sections were stained with Streptavidin/Peroxidase(SP) to explore the distribution of Ngb proteins in various tissues. Results: â‘  Neuroglobin-immunocreactive(Ngb-IR) positive cells were detected in cortex, thalamencephalon, hippocampus, hypothalamus, cerebellum, brain stem and spinal cord; â‘¡ Ngb-IR positive nerve cells were also detected in peripheral nervous system such as intramural ganglia, myelinated nerve fiber andretina; ?Substantial Ngb protein expression was also found in metabolically active endocrine tissues such as the pituitary gland , adrenal gland and testis. ? There is no Ngb protein expression in other organs or tissues such as cardiac muscle, skeletal muscle, lung, liver, kidney, etc.Conclusion: In our study, Ngb-IR positive cells were detected in central nervous system, peripheral nervous system and some metabolically active tissues. Considering the fact that Ngb can bind 02reversibly, our study confirm precious notions that Ngb may play important role in maintaining the normal functions of both nervous system and some endocrine organs,. and further study concerning the functions of Ngb can be developed based on the study.