Role Of The Cathepsin S Deficiency In The Development Of Congenial Cerebral Hydrocephalus In Mice

Background and PurposeCathepsins S, a lysosomal cysteine protease of the papain family, plays an important role in intra- and extra-cellular degradation. Previous studies have reported that Cat S is involved in many physiological and pathological processes, including tumor progression, atherosclerosis, aneurysm, and brain ischemia. However, the role of Cathepsin S in development of hydrocephalus remains unknown. Hence, we investigated the role of Cathepsin S in the development of congenial cerebral hydrocephalus in miceMethodWith the use of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, we characterized the subtle abnormalities in the brain and the ventricular systems.Histological morphology studies was performed on Cathepsin S deficiency (KO) mice to determine whether there were abnormalities of SCO. Immunohistochemistry studies were performed to assess the relative expression of ECM components. In addition,the total protein concentration of CSF was determined using the Bradford protein assay kit.ResultApproximately 25% of the KO mice developed hydrocephalus.MRI analysis indicate that the thickness of the cerebral cortex was significantly thinned in brains of KO mice.The abnormality of SCO, stenosis of aqueduct, and increased deposition of the ECM were observed in Cat S deficiency mice.ConclusionCat S deficiency could lead to spontaneous development of cerebral hydrocephalus and the abnormality of SCO, stenosis of aqueduct, and increased deposition of the ECM were observed in Cat S deficiency mice. The Cat S deficiency is a predisposing factor in the development of congenital hydrocephalus in mice.