The expression of c-fos gene in the early stage of experimental brain injury in rats

To observe the expression of c-fos gene in brain tissue following experimental cranial injury of rats. Methods The Feeney's free falling-body model was used to induce the brain injury. Immunohistochemistry and computer image analysis technology were used to evaluate the expression of c-fos gene in brain tissue after trauma. Results Two hours after the injury, c-fos-positive cells were markedly increased in the traumatic cerebral cortex, surround cortex and dentate gyrus. The c-fos gene expression was significantly different, among various parts of the brain and among different injury levels at the same part. Conclusion The expression of c-fos gene in rat's brain is significantly increased following brain injury and the expression level is related to the injury level.