Influence of subacute arsenic exposure on expression of GFAP in hippocampal astrocyte of mice

Objective To explore the effect of arsenic on astrocyte in the hippocampal CA1,CA3 and DG of mice.Methods Mice were randomly divided into four groups,which were control group,low dose group,medium dose group and high dose group.Mice were exposed to arsenite through drinking water for eight weeks.Expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP)in hippocampal CA1,CA3 and DG of mice was determined by immunohistochemical staining method.Results In hippocampal CA1,CA3 and DG of female mice,the integral optical density(IOD)of GFAP was increased and then decreased along with the arsenic dose;IOD in CA1 and DG of low dose group was the highest and significantly higher than that in control;but was significantly lower in high dose group than that in control;however,IOD in CA3 of medium dose group was the highest,and was significantly higher in both low and medium dose group than that in control,but was significantly lower in high dose group than that in control.In hippocampal CA1 and DG of male mice,IOD of GFAP was increased and then decreased;IOD in medium dose group was the highest and significantly higher than that in control;however,IOD of GFAP in CA3 male mice was increased along with arsenic dose,which was the highest in high dose group and significantly higher than that in control.Conclusions Exposure to low arsenic levels could activate astrocytes,however high levels of arsenic could injure astrocytes.Compared to that in male mice,astrocytes in hippocampus of female mice are more sensitive to the effects of arsenic.Effects of arsenic on astrocytes in CA1 and DG seemed to be more stronger than in CA3.