Expression of c-fos, c-jun and c-myc gene in cerebral cortical neurons following brain trauma in rats

Objective To observe the expression of c-fos, c-jun and c-myc genes in cerebral cortical neurons following brain trauma in rats, Methods The expression of c-fos. c-jun and c-myc was detected by using Northern and in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry Results The expression of the mRNA of c-fos, c-jun and c-myc genes was observed in neurons 15 min following the injury in the ipsilateral cerebral cortex, which increased gradually and reached their peak at h 6. lasting till h 24 and failed to be detected at h 72, c-fos and c-jun proteins expression were present 15 min after injury and c-myc protein after 30 min. peaking at h 3 and lasting till h6. and resumed normal level at h 24. Conclusions The expression characteristic of c-fos. c-jun and c-myc gene differs from that in other brain injures. which may be related to different injury mechanism and secondary neuronal damage,