Transferrin receptors in injured brain.

Recent studies have demonstrated the presence of transferrin receptors (Tf-R) in the central nervous system. The present study of Wistar rats with experimentally induced brain injuries, using immunohistochemistry at the light microscopy level, demonstrated the presence of Tf-R in regenerated endothelial cells, reactive astrocytes and in other cells, probably macrophages. Although Tf-R were seen in proliferating cells, Tf-R were also observed in non-proliferating cells, many of them macrophages. The receptors perhaps bind transferrin in edema fluid and play an important role in lesion repair.