Stability of gene expression in postmortem brain revealed by cDNA gene array analysis

Brain Res. 2002 Jun 28;942(1-2):120-3. doi: 10.1016/s0006-8993(02)02644-6.

Abstract

We utilized nylon arrays to measure gene expression in mouse brains after various postmortem intervals (PMIs). Gene expression after overnight refrigeration or 4 h at room temperature then overnight refrigeration correlated highly and approximately equivalently to that in brains processed immediately. After 8-24 h at room temperature and overnight refrigeration gene expression correlation and equivalency declined, but 90-95% of detected genes were within +/-40% of baseline levels. Brain homogenate pH did not change with PMI.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain Chemistry / genetics*
  • Gene Expression / physiology*
  • Gene Expression Profiling*
  • Mice
  • Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis*
  • Postmortem Changes
  • RNA Stability / physiology*
  • RNA, Messenger / chemistry*

Substances

  • RNA, Messenger