Hydrocephalus Mice Model: Choroid Plexus Aquaporin-1 Dynamics Following Cerebrospinal Fluid Drainage

Abstract

Background: Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of membrane proteins that act as channels for water, facilitating its movement across the plasma membrane of cells. Aquaporin1 (AQP1), located in the choroid plexus, is thought to be involved in the process of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) production. Objective: The objective of this study is to examine the impact of hydrocephalus and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage on the expression of AQP1 in a mice model of hydrocephalus. Material and Methods: Laboratory experimental study with six groups. Five test groups, one control group, and a rat model of hydrocephalus caused by kaolin were used in the experiment. Results: Hydrocephalus in mice model induced by kaolin, and CSF drainage was performed on the 7th and 14th days group. Immunohistochemical analysis was conducted to examine the presence of AQP1 in the choroid plexus using microscopes. The findings revealed a noticeable decrease in AQP1 expression levels in the choroid plexus, which exhibited a semi-quantitative decline in correlation with the duration of hydrocephalus (p = 0.01). This decrease was observed when comparing the normal group with the hydrocephalus groups on the 7th, 14th, and 21st days following induction. However, after cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage, there was a significant increase in AQP1 expression (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study shows the significant role of AQP1 in CSF production by comparing of AQP1 expression in the choroid plexus of hydrocephalus mice model, with and without CSF drainage. AQP1 expression experiences downregulation in hydrocephalus mice model and upregulation after CSF drainage. Key words: Aquaporin 1, AQP1, Choroid plexus, Hydrocephalus