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Expression of IL‐15 and IL‐15 Receptor Isoforms in Select Structures of Human Fetal Brain
Author(s) -
KUROWSKA M.,
RUDNICKA W.,
MAŚLIŃSKA D.,
MAŚLIŃSKI W.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
annals of the new york academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.712
H-Index - 248
eISSN - 1749-6632
pISSN - 0077-8923
DOI - 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2002.tb04245.x
Subject(s) - gene isoform , fetus , receptor , human brain , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , neuroscience , pregnancy , gene , genetics
A bstract : IL‐15, a key cytokine linking innate and acquired immunity, is expressed in many cell types and tissues. Recent data indicate constitutive expression of IL‐15 in human neural cell lines and tissues. The aim of the present study was to examine the expression patterns of mRNA encoding IL‐15 and IL‐15 receptor α (IL‐15Rα) isoforms in select structures of human fetal brain. We report that mRNA for IL‐15 and IL‐15Rα isoforms were expressed in all tested brain structures: cerebral cortex, cerebellum, hippocampus, and thalamus. However, the levels of IL‐15 and IL‐15Rα mRNA were higher in the hippocampus and cerebellum in comparison with cortex and thalamus. Moreover, higher levels of cytosol in comparison with membrane‐bound IL‐15 isoform were present in all brain structures. The constitutive, but distinct, expression of IL‐15 and its receptors in select human fetal brain structures suggests that IL‐15 plays a role in their development and physiology.