Distribution characteristics of CXCL1/CXCR2 in brain tissue of scrapie infected mice

  Objective  To explore the distribution characteristics of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1 (CXCL1) and CXC chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR2) in brains of prion infected mice.

  Methods  The distribution characteristics of CXCL1/CXCR2 in the brain tissues of scrapie agents 139A and ME7 infected mice at end stage were determined by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence double staining, and the target cells of CXCL1/CXCR2 and its correlation with PrP^Sc deposition were determined.

  Results  The results of immunohistochemical staining of the whole brain indicated that CXCL1/CXCR2 significantly increased in the brain tissues of mice infected with scrapie agents 139A and ME7, mainly distributed in the hippocampus, cortex, thalamus, cerebellum and medulla oblongata. CXCL1 co-localized with microglia and neuronal cells, while CXCR2 co-localized with neuronal cells. CXCL1, CXCR2 and PrP^Sc showed obvious co-localization in the brain tissues of mice infected with scrapie agents 139A and ME7.

  Conclusion  CXCL1/CXCR2 is distributed in brain regions with prion pathological features in prion infected mice.