GFAP as a marker of reactive astrocytes in the mice brain following hemorrhagic stroke and HSV-I

Abstract

To investigate reactive changes of GFAP-positive astrocytes as a marker of brain response following hemorrhagic stroke and HSV-I. Methods. The experiments were performed on 110 Balb/c mice weighing 18-20 g. The animals were infected with HSV type I, on 30 day hemorrhagic stroke was simulated and changes in astrocytes were determined by immunohistochemistry. Gliosis was confirmed by changes in density and arborization of GFAP-positive astrocytes. Results. The results of immunohistochemical studies confirmed increased density of GFAP-positive astrocytes in the hippocampus of mice infected with HSV type I as well as the sharp increase in the density and hypertrophy of GFAP-positive astrocytes following stroke simulation in infected animals. Conclusions. The experiment has provided new evidence about the location and level of astrocytic gliosis following a stroke and herpes infection. GFAP can be studied as a marker of HSV type I reactivation against stroke.