Alterations of CaM pathway in the brains of scrapie infected mice

Objective To analysis the alterations of CaM and its downstream factors in the brains of scrapie infected mice. Methods Using the methods of Western blot and immunohistochemistry assay to detect the levels and distributions of CaM, as well as the expressing alterations of the downstream substrates of CaM in the brains of mice infected with scrapie. Results Compared with the normal controls, the levels of CaM are significantly increased in the brains of scrapie-infected mice and particularly distributing in the regions of cortex, thamalus and cerebellum. Remarkable high levels of CaMKII, p-CaMKII and p-CaMKIV are observed in the brain homogenates of scrapie-infected mice. The regulatory protein of cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) and p-CERB are also increased, while the levels of BDNF which is regulated by p-CREB are obeviously downregulated. Conclusions The synthesis of BDNF may be influenced by the prion replication in neuron and further attenuates its neuronal protective features. Key words: Prion diseases; Calmodulin; Ca2+ /Calmodulin-dependent binding protein