Expression of macrophage colony stimulating factor in brains of PDAPPV717I transgenic mice

OBJECTIVE: To identify the expression and distribution of macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) in brains of PDAPPV717I transgenic mice. METHODS: We detected the expression and distribution of M-CSF mRNA in brains of PDAPPV717I transgenic mice by using hybridization in situ and immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: Expression of M-CSF mRNA was significantly higher in brains of PDAPPV717I transgenic mice than that in non-transgenic mice, and M-CSF mRNA in brain was mainly produced by reactive astrocytes. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that astrocytes play an important role in the onset/development of neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease.