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Electrophysiological analysis of the spinal network function in the in situ adult interferon regulatory factor 8 (IRF8) knockout mice
Author(s) -
Yazawa Itaru,
Yoshida Yuko,
Yoshimi Ryusuke,
O'Donovan Michael,
Ozato Keiko
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.904.6
Subject(s) - irf8 , microglia , immunology , myeloid , transcription factor , spinal cord , medicine , neuroscience , neurotransmitter , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , inflammation , central nervous system , gene , biochemistry
IRF8 is a transcription factor expressed mainly in myeloid cells, such as macrophages and microglia (macrophage‐like cells in the CNS). It provides innate resistance to infectious pathogens. IRF8 also directs the development of myeloid cells. Thus, IRF8 −/− mice develop a leukemia‐like disease, where granulocytes (neutrophils) are systemically increased, even in the spinal cord. IRF8 −/− macrophages and microglia are defective in functions, including cytokine production. We electrophysiologically investigated whether the alterations arising from the absence of IRF8 influence the spinal network function of the adult IRF8 −/− and wild type mice (P11 to 12 wks) with the in situ whole and hindlimb preparation. Neuronal discharge was obtained from the phrenic and bilateral peripheral motor nerve. In both mice, locomotor‐like discharge and episodes were induced by the modulated sympathetic tone and by the drug (serotonin, N‐methyl‐ D,L ‐aspartate, and noradrenalin). Comparisons of episodes, induced by the modulated sympathetic tone and/or by the drug, demonstrated that the lumbosacral cord of IRF8 −/− mice was functionally immature. Our results suggest the possibility that IRF8 plays a role in normal development of the spinal network function, possibly through the regulation of myeloid cells in the CNS. Supported by NINDS and NICHD, National Institutes of Health.