The Cerebral Microvasculature in Schizophrenia: A Laser Capture Microdissection Study

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0003964
• Publication Date: 2008-12-16T23:43:47Z
• Authors: Laura W. Harris; Matthew Wayland; Martin Lan; Margaret Ryan; Thomas Giger; Helen Lockstone; Irene Wuethrich; Michael Mimmack; Lan Wang; Mark Kotter; Rachel Craddock; Sabine Bahn
• Keywords: Laser capture microdissection; Microdissection; Cell type

Background Previous studies of brain and peripheral tissues in schizophrenia patients have indicated impaired energy supply to the brain. A number also demonstrated dysfunction microvasculature patients. Together these findings are consistent with a hypothesis blood-brain barrier schizophrenia. In this study, we investigated cerebral vascular endothelium at level transcriptomics. Methodology/Principal Findings We used laser capture microdissection isolate both microvascular endothelial cells neurons from post mortem tissue healthy controls. RNA was isolated cell populations, amplified, analysed using two independent microarray platforms, Affymetrix HG133plus2.0 GeneChips CodeLink Whole Human Genome arrays. first instance, dataset compare neuronal data, order demonstrate that predicted differences between types could be detected methodology. then compared data separately schizophrenic subjects Analysis samples showed gene expression schizophrenics controls which were reproducible second platform. Functional profiling revealed changes primarily found genes relating inflammatory processes. Conclusions/Significance This study provides preliminary evidence molecular alterations patients, suggestive hypo-inflammatory state type. Further investigation is warranted.