Immunohistochemical mapping of calcium-binding protein immunoreactivity in the rat central nervous system

Co-localization of tyrosine hydroxylase and zebrin II immunoreactivities in Purkinje cells of the mutant mice, tottering and tottering/leaner

The mutant mice tottering, leaner and the compound heterozygous tottering/leaner exhibit varying degrees of several abnormal neurological phenotypes including petit mal-like epilepsy, ataxia and an intermittent myoclonus-like movement disorder. Aberrant expression of tyrosine hydroxylase in cerebellar Purkinje cells of tottering, leaner and tottering/leaner mice has been observed previously [Austin M. C. et al. (1992) Molec. Brain Res. 15, 227-240; Hess E. J. and Wilson M. C. (1991) Neuron 6, 123-132]. In the present study, the distribution of tyrosine hydroxylase expression was compared with that of Zebrin II in Purkinje cells of adult homozygous tottering and compound heterozygous tottering/leaner mutant mice using single and double immunocytochemistry and double immunofluorescence. The pattern of Zebrin II expression in the cerebella of the mutant mice was identical to that described for normal mice [Hawkes R. et al. (1985) Brain Res. 333, 359-365; Hawkes R. and Leclerc N. (1987) J. comp. Neurol. 256, 29-41]. In addition, sections through tottering and tottering/leaner cerebella demonstrated an exact correspondence between the bands of tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity and bands of Zebrin II immunoreactivity. Similarly, the compartments of the Purkinje cell layer which were negative for Zebrin II staining were also negative for tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity. This study provides evidence that the cerebellar Purkinje cells of tottering and tottering/leaner mice were able to express a normal gene product, Zebrin II, in a normal spatial pattern and the same Purkinje cells can also express an aberrant gene product, tyrosine hydroxylase. This abnormal gene expression may indicate that at least some Purkinje cells in these mutant mice are not functioning normally. This possibility, taken together with the morphological changes observed in many mutant Purkinje cell axons, suggests that Purkinje cell function could be altered in tottering and tottering/leaner mice, thereby contributing to the neurological abnormalities exhibited by these mice. It is also possible that alteration in function of mutant Purkinje cells could correlate with the rostrocaudal zonation pattern described in this study.

Comparison of calbindin D-28k and S-100 protein B in neuroblastoma as determined by enzyme immunoassay

Levels of two calcium-building proteins, calbindin D-28k (calbindin-D) and S-100 protein B (S-100b), were measured by immunoassay in solid tumors obtained surgically from pediatric patients. Mean concentrations of calbindin-D and S-100b in 73 neuroblastomas (23 ganglioneuroblastomas and 50 neuroblastomas) were 10- or 25-fold higher, respectively, than those in other types of solid tumors in pediatric patients (n = 15). The mean tumor concentration of calbindin-D in patients with neuroblastoma (n = 73) was 25.1 ng/mg (range 0.20 to 317.0 ng/mg soluble protein, SE = 6.26); that of S-100b was 278.3 ng/mg (range 0.93 to 2521 ng/mg soluble protein, SE = 71.7). The mean concentration of calbindin-D (4.4 ng/mg soluble protein) was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in stage IV, the most advanced stage. The mean concentration of S-100b (74.0 ng/mg soluble protein) was lower in patients with undifferentiated neuroblastomas (P < 0.01). Tumor levels of the two calcium-binding proteins were not correlated in patients with neuroblastoma, but each was strongly correlated with outcome in patients with neuroblastoma. The evidence suggests that measurements of the calcium-binding proteins calbindin-D and S-100b would be useful for evaluating the prognosis of patients with neuroblastoma.

Impaired synapse elimination during cerebellar development in PKC gamma mutant mice

PKC gamma is highly expressed in Purkinje cells (PCs) but not in other types of neurons in the cerebellum. The expression of PKC gamma changes markedly during cerebellar development, being very low at birth and reaching a peak around the third postnatal week. This temporal pattern of PKC gamma expression coincides with the developmental transition from multiple to single climbing fiber innervation onto each PC. In adult mutant mice deficient in PKC gamma, we found that 41% of PCs are still innervated by multiple climbing fibers, while other aspects of the cerebellum including the morphology and excitatory synaptic transmission of PCs appear normal. Thus, elimination of multiple climbing fiber innervation appears to be specifically impaired in the mutant cerebellum. We suggest that the developmental role of PKC gamma may be to act as a downstream element in the signal cascade necessary for the elimination of surplus climbing fiber synapses.

Anuran dorsal column nucleus: organization, immunohistochemical characterization, and fiber connections in Rana perezi and Xenopus laevis

As part of a research program on the evolution of somatosensory systems in vertebrates, the dorsal column nucleus (DCN) was studied with (immuno)histochemical and tract-tracing techniques in anurans (the large green frog, Rana perezi, and the clawed toad, Xenopus laevis). The anuran DCN contains some nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase-positive neurons, very little calbindin D-28k, and a distinct parvalbumin-positive cell population. The anuran DCN is innervated by primary and non-primary spinal afferents, by primary afferents from cranial nerves V, VII, IX, and X, by serotonin-immunoreactive fibers, and by peptidergic fibers. Non-primary DCN afferents from the spinal cord appear to arise throughout the spinal cord, but particularly from the ipsilateral dorsal gray. The present study focused on the efferent connections of the DCN, in particular the targets of the medial lemniscus. The medial lemniscus could be traced throughout the brainstem and into the diencephalon. Along its course, the medial lemniscus gives off collaterals to various parts of the reticular formation, to the octavolateral area, and to the granular layer of the cerebellum. At mesencephalic levels, the medial lemniscus innervates the lateral part of the torus semicircularis as well as various tegmental nuclei. A striking difference between the two species studied is that while in R. perezi medial lemniscal fibers do not reach the tectum mesencephali, in X. laevis, intermediate and deep tectal layers are innervated. Beyond the midbrain, both dorsal and ventral thalamic areas are innervated by the medial lemniscus. The present study shows that the anuran "lemniscal pathway" is basically similar to that of amniotes.

S-100 beta has a neuronal localisation in the rat hindbrain revealed by an antigen retrieval method

The localisation of S-100 in mammalian CNS neurons has been under debate for more than two decades. We address the question with two polyclonal and two new monoclonal antibodies. The specificity and the distribution in rat brain is based on an antigen retrieval method. We present evidence that aldehyde fixatives mask S-100 beta in neurons, and that the immunoreactivity is retrieved after trypsinisation. Neuronal S-100 beta is also detected in unfixed and ethanol fixed sections. The neuronal immunoreactivity is partly solubilised from unfixed tissue sections with 2.5 mM EDTA and is completely extracted with 2.5 mM EDTA and 1% Triton X-100. Most of the glial S-100 beta is washed out from unfixed tissue sections with saline. S-100 beta has distinct distribution in neurons of the hindbrain, i.e., the brainstem and cerebellum, but is not observed in the forebrain. One of the monoclonal antibodies immunostained neither neurons nor glia when it had been absorbed with S-100 crosslinked to nitrocellulose membranes. The distribution of neuronal S-100 beta differed from that of other neuronal calcium binding proteins, such as calbindin and parvalbumin. It was confined mainly to cholinergic neurons of the hindbrain. The presence of S-100 beta in distinct neuronal populations may indicate neurotrophic effects of S-100 beta. The notion is supported by the capability of S-100 to cause neurite outgrowth in vitro.

Differential distribution of calbindin-D28k and parvalbumin in somatic and visceral sensory neurons

The purpose of the present investigation was to determine whether calbindin-D28k and parvalbumin are distributed to different subpopulations of somatic and visceral sensory neurons. Immunofluorescent and retrograde techniques were combined to examine the distribution of calbindin- and parvalbumin-like immunoreactivity in the cell bodies of somatic and visceral primary afferent neurons in dorsal root ganglia L1-S1 of rats. Calbindin and parvalbumin were differentially distributed to essentially non-overlapping subpopulations of primary sensory neurons that could be distinguished by their segmental and size distributions, as well as by their innervation of somatic and visceral structures. Calbindin-like immunoreactivity was found in a population of smaller-sized cell bodies comprising approximately 14%of all dorsal root ganglion cells examined, with the proportions being greatest in L6 and S1. In contrast, parvalbumin was found in a population of larger-sized cells that made up about 11% of dorsal root ganglion cells and that were most concentrated in L4 and L5. Sensory neurons were further characterized by retrograde transport following the application of the neuroanatomical tracer FluoroGold to somatic (sural and gastrocnemius) and visceral (hypogastric and pelvic) nerves. Somatic tissues were innervated by a population of calbindin-containing as well as a separate population of parvalbumin-containing sensory neurons. In contrast, afferent neurons innervating visceral structures contained only a subpopulation of calbindin-containing neurons and very few parvalbumin-positive cells.

Calbindin D-28k immunoreactivity in the rat accessory olfactory bulb

The distribution pattern and the morphology of calbindin D-28k-immunoreactive neurons were studied in the accessory olfactory bulb of the rat using a monoclonal antibody and the avidin-biotin-immunoperoxidase method. Positive neurons were observed in all layers but the vomeronasal nerve layer. Scarce mono-dendritic periglomerular neurons were calbindin D-28k-immunoreactive. Different morphological types of short-axon cells were calbindin D-28k-immunostained, with different degrees of intensity, in the boundary between the internal and external plexiform layer. In addition, deep short-axon cells located in the granule cell layer were calbindin D-28k-immunopositive. By contrast, previous studies described all cells in the rat accessory olfactory bulb as calbindin D-28k-immunonegative. The staining pattern in the rat accessory olfactory bulb showed both similarities and differences with the distribution pattern of the same calcium-binding protein in the main olfactory bulb.

Distribution of calbindin D-28k immunoreactivity in the cochlear nucleus of the young adult chinchilla

Calbindin is a 28 kD calcium-binding protein found in neural tissue. Although its functional role in nerve cell physiological processing is still uncertain, previous investigations have suggested that because of its intracellular calcium buffering and regulation properties, it could influence temporal precision of neuronal firing to subserve temporal processing in the auditory brainstem, or could mediate monaural versus binaural coding, or be involved in synaptic plasticity (learning). The present study demonstrates differential calbindin immunoreactivity in the cochlear nuclear complex of the chinchilla, a rodent with exceptionally good low-frequency hearing. The most intense labeling in the cochlear cochlear nucleus was in somata of cartwheel and fusiform cells of the fusiform cell layer, and somata and process of the molecular layer of the dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN). Only a relatively few scattered neurons were stained in the deep layers of DCN. In contrast, moderate labeling of neurons and neuropil throughout the ventral cochlear nucleus was seen. For instance, moderately stained spherical and elongate cells of the anteroventral cochlear nucleus were observed in contact with labeled puncta and amidst stained fibers. In the cochlear nerve root region, stained auditory nerve fibers and global cells were noted. In the posteroventral cochlear nucleus, principal cells of elongate and octopus shape were observed, in contact with labeled swellings and surrounded by labeled neuropil.

Distribution of OMP-, PGP 9.5- and CaBP-like immunoreactive chemoreceptor neurons in the developing human olfactory epithelium

We have examined the distribution of olfactory marker protein (OMP), protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5) and calcium-binding protein D-28k (CaBP) in the olfactory epithelium of mid- to late fetal and newborn humans using immunocytochemistry. Olfactory chemoreceptor neurons (ORNs) in a 24-week-old female fetus, a 31-week-old male fetus and a newborn male were examined. OMP-like immunoreactivity (-LI) and PGP 9.5-LI were distributed throughout ORNs at all ages. CaBP-like immunoreactivity, however, was found only in clustered or isolated fetal ORNs; in the newborn, CaBP-LI was seen only in isolated ORNs sparsely distributed throughout the OE. These findings demonstrate that human ORNs express OMP-LI nearly 4 weeks earlier in development than previously reported. PGP 9.5-LI is coincidentally abundant within these cells, suggesting it may have an important role in mature ORNs. Because the number of ORNs expressing CaBP-LI decreases during perinatal development, CaBP may be important in intracellular calcium regulation during ORN growth and maturation in the developing OE.

Age-related morphological and morphometrical changes in parvalbumin- and calbindin-immunoreactive neurons in the rat hippocampal formation

Parvalbumin (PV)- and calbindin (CaBP)-immunostaining in the hippocampal formation of 3-, 11- and 28-month-old Wistar rats was studied using monoclonal antibodies. A quantitative analysis of the densities, cross-sectional areas, length and number of processes of PV-immunoreactive neurons in the hippocampal dentata and CA1 areas of the three age groups was employed. Marked age-related changes in the morphological appearance and in the quantitative parameters characterizing the PV-immunoreactive neurons in both hippocampal regions were observed. The intensity of CaBP-immunostaining of the hippocampal principle cells and interneurons remained the same but the immunoreactive fibers were structurally altered in aging.

NADPH-diaphorase active and calbindin D-28k-immunoreactive neurons and fibers in the olfactory bulb of the hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus)

The hedgehog, a macrosomatic insectivore with an extraordinary development of the olfactory structures, has a crucial value for any phylogenetic or comparative study in mammals. The distribution pattern and morphology of NADPH-diaphorase-active and calbindin D-28k-immunoreactive neurons were studied in the main and accessory olfactory bulbs of the hedgehog. NADPH-diaphorase (ND) staining was carried out by a direct histochemical method, and the calbindin D-28k (CaBP) immunoreaction by using a monoclonal antibody and the avidin-biotin-immunoperoxidase method. The possible coexistence of both markers was determined by sequential histochemical-immunohistochemical double labeling of the same sections. Specific neuronal populations were positive for both ND and CaBP markers. No cell colocalized both stains in the hedgehog olfactory bulb. A subpopulation of olfactory fibers, and a subpopulation of olfactory glomeruli, located on the medial side, were positive for ND. Surrounding both the ND-positive and ND-negative glomeruli, there were ND- and CaBP-positive periglomerular cells, the latter group being much more abundant. A subpopulation of superficial short-axon cells was CaBP positive but, contrary to what is observed in rodents, this neuronal type was always ND negative. In addition, three neuronal types were observed in the GL-EPL border after CaBP immunostaining. These neuronal types have not been previously described either in the hedgehog or in the rodent olfactory bulb. Horizontal cells and vertical cells of Cajal were also observed after both ND and CaBP labeling. Distinct groups of ND- and CaBP-positive cells, differing in size, shape, dendritic branching pattern, and staining intensity, were distinguished in the granule cell layer and in the white matter. The large and medium-sized cells were identified as a very heterogeneous population of deep short-axon cells, whereas a subpopulation of granule cells was ND positive. The accessory olfactory bulb showed ND staining in all vomeronasal fibers and glomeruli, and in subpopulations of periglomerular cells, granule cells, and deep short-axon cells. The CaBP immunolabeling was more restricted and located in subpopulations of periglomerular cells and in deep short-axon cells. These results indicate different and more complex ND and CaBP staining patterns in the hedgehog olfactory bulb than those previously described in rodents, including the presence of specific, chemically and morphologically defined new neuronal types.

Distribution of calcium-binding protein calbindin-D28k in the auditory system of adult and developing rats

Calbindin-D28k (CaBP) is a calcium-binding protein, which appears to be involved in the buffering of free intracellular calcium and may thereby contribute to calcium homeostasis. This study attempted to determine the distribution pattern of CaBP immunoreactivity in the central auditory system of adult rats and during development, when calcium ions play key roles in several aspects of nerve cell function. It was found that most steps during CaBP development occur postnatally in the central auditory system. With the exception of the lateral superior olive, the ventral and the intermediate nuclei of the lateral lemniscus, and the auditory cortex, which already express CaBP prenatally, CaBP immunoreactivity is not present before postnatal day 2 (P2). Development proceeds until about P24, when the pattern characteristic of adult animals can be seen. There was no detectable sequence in CaBP development from lower to higher stations in the auditory pathway, i.e., the different nuclei appear to express CaBP independently of each other, indicating that intrinsic, rather than peripheral, maturation processes may predominantly influence CaBP expression. Neurons in four brainstem nuclei (the lateral superior olive, the ventral and intermediate nuclei of the lateral lemniscus, and the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus) express CaBP only transiently. In these nuclei, CaBP immunoreactivity peaks between P6 and P18, which coincides with the period of synapse stabilization. Therefore, CaBP may play a specific role during neuronal development, by buffering the concentration of intracellular free Ca2+, which may be necessary for modification of synaptic efficiency.

Loss of calbindin-immunoreactivity in CA1 hippocampal stratum radiatum and stratum lacunosum-moleculare interneurons in the aged rat

Alterations in hippocampal circuitry may underly age-related learning and memory impairment. We showed in a previous study that the GABAB-mediated slow inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP) induced in CA1 pyramidal neurons by electrical stimulation of stratum radiatum, is depressed in the hippocampus of the aged rat. This could be due to alterations in GABAergic interneuron functions. We report in this study that the number of hippocampal calbindin-immunoreactive (CaBP-IR) GABAergic interneurons is decreased in the aged rat. The mean number of CaBP-IR interneurons per slice decreases by 50% in the aged rat. The most severe loss was observed in the stratum radiatum of CA1 (78%), with a less consistent loss of immunoreactivity in CA3 (35%). In contrast, the mean number of interneurons containing parvalbumin (PV), was not significantly decreased in the aged rat. Our results show a loss of CaBP immunoreactivity in a population of GABAergic interneurons, which might be related to an altered function of these interneurons and consequently of GABAergic synaptic transmission in the aged rat. In contrast, PV immunoreactivity in interneurons located close to the pyramidal layer does not decrease in the hippocampus of the aged rat.

Purkinje cell loss from alternating sagittal zones in the cerebellum of leaner mutant mice

The cerebellum and inferior olive of adult homozygous leaner mutant mice (tgIa/tgIa) were examined using anti-vitamin D-dependent calcium binding protein immunohistochemistry, and Nissl staining. The immunohistochemical staining revealed that cerebellar Purkinje cell loss in leaner is restricted to alternating saggital compartments of the cerebellar cortex. The absence of Purkinje cells from specific sagittal zones of the cerebellar cortex apparently results in a loss of immunochemical staining of Purkinje cell axons and terminals from specific regions of the leaner cerebellar nuclear complex. A specific pattern of atrophy was also observed in the leaner inferior olive.

A comparative study of the calcium-binding proteins calbindin-D28K, calretinin, calmodulin and parvalbumin in the rat spinal cord

Comparison of the immunocytochemical localizations revealed distinct patterns of differential distribution and overlapping of calbindin-D28K (CB-D28K), calretinin (CR), calmodulin (CM) and parvalbumin (PV) in the rat spinal cord. In some areas, one of the four calcium-binding proteins (CBPs) appears to be predominant, for example, CB-D28K in lamina I and ependymal cells, PV at the inner part of laminae II, CR in laminae V and VI and CM in motoneurons of lamina IX. In other regions of the spinal cord, more than one CBPs was abundant. CB-D28K and CR were similarly distributed in lamina II and the lateral spinal and cervical nucleus; CM and PV were similarly abundant in the ventromedial dorsal horn, internal basilar and central cervical nucleus; CR and PV were similarly abundant in the ventromedial dorsal horn, internal basilar and central cervical nucleus; CR and PV were similarly heterogeneous in the gracile fasciculus from caudal to rostral spinal cord. In the sacral dorsal gray commissure, the distribution patterns of CR and PV were clearly complementary. The unilateral ganglionectomies resulted in a substantial reduction of CBP-like immunoreactivity (CBP-LI) in the dorsal columns and a reduction of CM- and PV-LI in the ventromedial dorsal horn. In the motor system, only CM labeled large motoneurons in lamina IX and CB-D28K lightly stained pyramidal tract. The apparent absence of CM-LI in the superficial dorsal horn is contradictory to the presence of a CM-dependent nitric oxide synthase in the region. These data indicate that most CBP-LI in the dorsal column pathway had primary afferent origin, while the superficial dorsal horn exhibited intrinsic CBP immunoreactivity. The differential and selective localizations of CBPs in the spinal cord suggest a role for these proteins in spinal nociceptive processing, visceral regulation and dorsal column sensory pathways.

Calbindin-like immunoreactivity in epithelial cells of the newborn and adult human vomeronasal organ

The vomeronasal organs (VNOs) of two humans, a male neonate and a female adult, were examined for immunolocalization of calbindin-D28k (calbindin) which has been immunolocalized to VNO receptor cells in other mammals. The present study demonstrates that epithelial cells within the VNOs of both subjects expressed calbindin-like immunoreactivity. These results suggest that human VNO epithelial cells of both genders express calbindin during development and in the adult.

Cellular distribution of calbindin D28K mRNAs in the adult mouse brain

We have determined the cellular distribution of calbindin D28K mRNAs throughout the mouse brain by in situ hybridization. While these studies identified neuronal populations similar to those previously identified in rat brain by immunohistochemistry, some discrepancies exist. These may derive from species differences or from the immunological cross-reactivity of calbindin D28K antiserum with other proteins. We note an intriguing association between the distribution of neurons containing calbindin D28K mRNA and those reported by others to contain the inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (InsP3) receptor.

Calmodulin immunoreactivity in the chicken pineal gland: comparison with calbindin-D28k, calretinin, and S100

Calmodulin distribution in the chicken pineal organ was investigated by immunohistochemistry. Calmodulin immunoreactivity was detected in ependymocytes in the follicular zone and in interstitial cells in the parafollicular zone. No calmodulin immunoreactivity was detected in pinealocytes. Lack of calmodulin immunoreactivity in pinealocytes raises questions about its proposed function in melatonin synthesis as suggested by pharmacological studies using calmodulin antagonists. The calmodulin distribution was comparable to that of S100, a glial cell marker. Two other markers, calbindin-D28k and calretinin, which in neuroanatomical studies give excellent cytoarchitectonic staining, in the chick pineal permitted the detection of two subclasses of pinealocytes. One was darkly stained by calbindin-D28k and rare. The other was very abundant and calretinin positive. In the parafollicular zone, calbindin-D28k and/or calretinin antibodies allowed us to visualize cells presenting a neuron-like morphology. Calretinin immunoreactivity was detected in nearly all pinealocytes in which hydroxy-indol-O-methyl transferase was also located. Comparison between the lack of calmodulin and the presence of calretinin, belonging to the same calcium-binding protein family, in chick pinealocytes raises the hypothesis about a possible role of calretinin in melatonin synthesis.

Immunohistochemical localization of calbindin-D28K and calretinin in the lamprey retina

Calbindin-D28K and calretinin are homologous cytosolic calcium binding proteins localized in many retinal neurons from different species. In this report, location of cells immunoreactive to both proteins was investigated in the retina of the lamprey, Lampetra fluviatilis. This organism constitutes one of the older representative vertebrates and possesses a peculiar organization, probably unique: two-thirds of the ganglion cells are in the classical amacrine cell layer and the nerve fiber layer is located in the scleral part of the inner plexiform layer. Calbindin-like immunoreactivity was demonstrated in large bipolar cells and in cell bodies located in the inner retina. Although the distinction between labelled ganglion cells and labelled amacrine cells was rendered difficult, we hypothesized that the majority of calbindin-immunoreactive cells observed in the inner retina are ganglion cells, because of the high number of labelled fibers in the nerve fiber layer. Calretinin-like immunoreactivity was detected in both large and small bipolar cells, and also in cells located in the inner retina. Since few calretinin-immunoreactive fibers were observed in the nerve fiber layer, we assume that the latter category of cells are amacrine cells. Horizontal cells were both negative for calbindin and calretin-like immunoreactivities. Calbindin and calretinin, which are present in cones from many species, could not be detected in the photoreceptor layer favouring the rod-dominated lamprey retina. Although their distribution differs from those observed in most vertebrates, the present results indicate the good conservation of both calcium binding proteins in the retina during the vertebrate evolution.

The Purkinje cell in olivopontocerebellar atrophy. A Golgi and immunocytochemical study

Purkinje cells were examined in three familial cases of olivopontocerebellar atrophy (OPCA) by means of the Golgi method, and neurofilament and calcium-binding protein immunocytochemistry. Reduced dendritic arborizations, as seen with different techniques, early formation of axonal spheroids, and abnormal accumulation of phosphorylated neurofilament epitopes in dendrites, somata and axonal spheroids, together with limited formation of proximal spine-like protrusions were the main changes in Purkinje cells. These lesions are unlikely to be the consequence of anterograde degeneration secondary to olivary atrophy, as postulated by some investigators, but probably represent primary damage to Purkinje cells in patients with OPCA. Reduced dendritic arborizations result in a decrease of receptor sites for parallel fibres and deprive granule cells of their main targets. Abnormal accumulation of neurofilaments in somata, dendrites and axonal spheroids may contribute to an abnormal transport and may impair protein turnover in the distal regions of Purkinje cells.

Combination of alkaline phosphatase in situ hybridization with immunohistochemistry: colocalization of calretinin-mRNA with calbindin and tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity in rat substantia nigra neurons

We describe a method to combine non-radioactive in situ hybridization using alkaline phosphatase (AP) labelled oligonucleotide-probes with immunohistochemistry on the same thin paraffin section. The simultaneous detection of calretinin-mRNA and calbindin- or tyrosine hydroxylase-like immunoreactivity in neurons of rat substantia nigra, pars compacta, was used as a test system to develop the method. Brains were fixed by perfusion with 4% paraformaldehyde and embedded in paraffin. Five-microns-thick sections were processed for non-radioactive in situ hybridization with a 33-base alkaline phosphatase conjugated synthetic oligonucleotide complementary to calretinin mRNA. After hybridization and colour reaction to visualize calretinin mRNA, sections were incubated with antibodies against calbindin D28K or tyrosine hydroxylase. Immunoreaction was visualized using the avidin-biotin-complex-technique and diaminobenzidine. As the colour of both reaction products differ markedly, the distribution of calretinin mRNA-containing neurons (purple-blue, alkaline phosphatase product) and calbindin/tyrosine hydroxylase immunopositive cells (brown peroxidase product) could be differentiated easily on the same section. Calbindin- and tyrosine hydroxylase-like immunoreactivity was found in the majority of calretinin mRNA-containing cells within the substantia nigra, pars compacta, indicating that in this nucleus a proportion of the dopaminergic neurons contain both calcium binding proteins calbindin and calretinin. In conclusion, non-radioactive in situ hybridization using alkaline phosphatase labelled oligonucleotide probes can be readily combined with immunohistochemistry.

Subcellular localization of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor, P400, in the vestibular complex and dorsal cochlear nucleus of the rat

The subcellular localization of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor protein, P400, was studied in the vestibular complex, an area to which Purkinje cells project, as well as in neurons of the dorsal cochlear nucleus and in ectopic Purkinje cells of adult rat brain. The receptor was demonstrated by electron microscopical immunocytochemistry using the avidin-biotin peroxidase complex procedure, with the monoclonal antibody 4C11 raised against mouse cerebellar inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor protein. Immunoreactivity was found in preterminal fibres and terminal boutons in the nuclei of the vestibular complex, generally associated with the subsurface systems and stacks or fragments of smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Ectopic Purkinje cells and cartwheel cells of the dorsal cochlear nucleus also displayed immunoreactivity, but this was much less intense in the latter. The results of the present study suggest that this receptor protein, involved in the release of Ca2+, is located in sites that enable it to influence the synthesis, transport and release of neurotransmitters.

Purkinje-like cells in rat cochlear nucleus

A unique class of cells, strongly immunopositive for anti-calbindin D-28 kDa was observed in and near the cochlear nucleus of young adult, male Sprague-Dawley rats. These cells are present in small numbers which are highly variable across animals and inconstant in position. They are preferentially located in the dorsal cochlear nucleus, with occasional examples being present in the ventral cochlear nucleus, as well as in adjacent brainstem locations. They have been referred to in other studies as displaced Purkinje cells or 'Purkinje cell-like cells', and are here designated 'Purkinje-like cells' (PLCs). PLCs have relatively large cell bodies, with thick, heavily spined dendrites, and are typically situated in an immediately subpial position. The dendritic arborization extends into the interior of the nucleus, away from the pial surface, a trajectory opposite in direction to that of the cerebellar Purkinje cells. The intense immunoreactivity exhibited by PLC somata and dendrites when treated with antiserum directed against calbindin is equivalent to that of cerebellar Purkinje cells, and markedly stronger than that of most other cell populations of the cochlear nucleus. However, in tissue treated with anti-parvalbumin, which also strongly labels cerebellar Purkinje cell somata and dendrites, PLC labeling, when present, is relatively weak, limited to the cell bodies and only the base of the dendrites of PLCs, indicating non-equivalence of the two cell types. In addition, the intensity of calbindin immunostaining in the PLCs appears to be more sensitive to glutaraldehyde in any of the fixative solutions than that seen in cerebellar Purkinje cells in the same sections. Of the cell types of the cochlear nucleus, the cartwheel cells would appear to be the most similar to the PLCs on morphological and immunocytochemical grounds. However, the subpial position and average somal dimensions of the PLCs, as well as the relatively modest immunoreactivity of the cartwheel cells for calbindin, rather clearly differentiate the PLCs from this class of neurons. The results of the present study suggest that the PLCs of the cochlear nucleus, although they may arise developmentally as ectopic cerebellar Purkinje cells and maintain certain Purkinje cell characteristics, represent a distinct neuronal cell type in the adult rat cochlear nucleus, exhibiting incomplete overlap of fixation, immunocytochemical and morphological characteristics with both cartwheel cells of the cochlear nucleus and cerebellar Purkinje cells.

Distribution of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor, P400, in adult rat brain

The distribution of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor protein, P400, was investigated in adult rat brain by immunocytochemistry with the monoclonal antibody 4C11 raised against mouse cerebellar inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor protein. Immunoreactive neuronal cell bodies were detected in the cerebral cortex, the claustrum, the endopiriform nucleus, the corpus callosum, the anterior olfactory nuclei, the olfactory tubercle, the nucleus accumbens, the lateral septum, the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, the hippocampal formation, the dentate gyrus, the caudate-putamen, the fundus striatum, the amygdaloid complex, the thalamus, the caudolateral part of the hypothalamus, the supramammillary nuclei, the substantia nigra, the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus, the ventrotegmental area, the Purkinje cells in the cerebellum, the dorsal cochlear nucleus, the subnucleus oralis and caudalis of trigeminal nerve, and the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Immunoreactive fibres were found in the medial forebrain bundle, the globus pallidus, the stria terminalis, the pyramidal tract, the spinal tract of trigeminal nerve, and the ventral horn of spinal cord. Nerve fibres forming a dense plexus ending in terminal-like boutons were detected in relation to nonimmunoreactive neurons of the dentate, interpositus, and fastigial nuclei of the cerebellum and around neurons of the vestibular nuclei. This receptor protein binds a specific second messenger, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, which produces a mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ and a modulation of transmitter release.

Parvalbumin and calbindin in the rat claustrum: an immunocytochemical study combined with retrograde tracing frontoparietal cortex

The distribution of the calcium binding proteins parvalbumin and calbindin D-28k was examined in the claustrum of the rat by means of immunohistochemistry. The two proteins displayed a different and largely complementary pattern of distribution. Parvalbumin-immunostaining was intense in the neuropil of the dorsal claustrum and virtually absent in the neuropil of the ventral claustrum; parvalbumin-immunoreactive neuronal cell bodies were relatively numerous in the dorsal claustrum and were detected only occasionally in the ventral region. On the other hand, calbindin-immunostaining was prevalent in the ventral claustrum; very few calbindin-positive neurons were seen in the dorsal sector of the nucleus, whereas they were relatively more numerous in the ventral claustrum. The cell bodies of the majority of the claustral parvalbumin- or calbindin-immunoreactive neurons were oval or round, but immunostained polymorphous neurons were also observed. The surface of the immunopositive dendritic branches was smooth, with no evidence of spines. Fluorescent retrograde tracing was combined with immunohistofluorescence to determine whether the parvalbumin-containing claustral cells project to the frontoparietal cortex. Neurons labelled after large fluorogold injections in frontoparietal cortical fields were highly intermingled in the dorsal claustrum with parvalbumin-immunoreactive cells but the two neuronal populations were separate. These data show that parvalbumin-immunoreactive claustral neurons do not project to the frontoparietal cortex. In addition, although these cells may project to other cortical or subcortical targets, the present findings suggest that they may represent, at least in part, local circuit claustral neurons, corresponding to the aspiny intrinsic neurons described in the rat claustrum in studies based on Golgi impregnation.

Cerebrospinal fluid 28-kDa calbindin-D as a possible marker for Purkinje cell damage

To examine the clinical value of 28-kDa calbindin-D (CaBP) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as a marker for the damage to Purkinje cells, we measured CSF CaBP levels using an enzyme immunoassay method in 107 patients with cerebellar and other neurological diseases, and 26 controls. The mean CaBP level was markedly elevated in patients with cerebellar diseases, and the elevation of CaBP level was more frequent in the diseases involving Purkinje cells, such as multiple system atrophy (MSA) and subacute cerebellar degeneration in association with lung cancer. Further, in MSA patients, the CaBP levels decreased with duration of illness. The mean levels of CaBP were also elevated in some of the other diseases. We conclude that the elevations of CaBP levels are not specific for cerebellar diseases, but CSF CaBP may be a useful marker for examining the Purkinje cell involvement in cerebellar diseases.

Comparative distribution of calbindin and Met-enkephalin immunoreactivities in the guinea-pig lateral septum, with reference to electrophysiologically characterized neurons in the mediolateral part

The distribution both of Met-enkephalinergic nerve terminals and of calbindin-containing neurons was investigated in the guinea-pig lateral septum, using a double-immunostaining technique. The findings show that the two immunoreactivities overlapped for neurons located in areas of the dorsal part and of the mediolateral part of the lateral septum. Nine cells of the mediolateral part which were electrophysiologically characterized and intracellularly labelled were subjected to the double-immunostaining protocol. All these cells displayed characteristic discharges due to the activation of high-threshold Ca2+ conductances. Two of them contained calbindin and were the target of enkephalinergic inputs; they possessed somatic spines. These data demonstrate: (1) that the guinea-pig lateral septum contains subpopulations of calbindin neurons which are postsynaptic to enkephalinergic inputs; (2) that Ca2+ conductances are not related to the presence of calbindin; (3) that somatospiny neurons, which are involved in the regulation of the hippocampo-septo-hypothalamic complex, contain calbindin and are the target of enkephalinergic endings.

Transient expression of calretinin during development of chick cerebellum. Comparison with calbindin-D28k

Calcium ions play a critical role in neural development. Insights into the ontogeny of Ca2+ homeostasis were gained by investigating the developmental expression of two E-F hand calcium-binding proteins. Calretinin and calbindin were monitored through their immunoreactivity in the developing chick cerebellum (from E6 to E20). Calbindin was detected from E13 and in Purkinje cells only. Intensity of labelling increased with Purkinje cell development. Calretinin presented a transitory immunoreactivity between E11 and E20 in the internal granular cell layer. This cell layer contains cells which will differentiate into Golgi and granular cells which are calretinin-negative in adult chick cerebellum. Calretinin immunoreactivity presented a peak (both in number of cells and in intensity) at E15 and fell dramatically after E20 while calbindin immunoreactivity was restricted to the Purkinje cells and increased with the development of these cells.

Axons and axon terminals of cerebellar Purkinje cells and basket cells have higher levels of parvalbumin immunoreactivity than somata and dendrites: quantitative analysis by immunogold labeling

The immunointensities of calcium-binding proteins parvalbumin (PV) and calbindin D28K were quantified in different parts of Purkinje cells and interneurons (basket cells and stellate cells) of the rat cerebellum. An electron microscopic, postembedding immunogold procedure on Lowicryl K4M-embedded thin sections was applied. Neuronal profiles were identified by double-labeling immunocytochemistry using the combination of the two primary antibodies, mouse monoclonal anti-rat calbindin D28K and rabbit polyclonal anti-rat PV. The secondary antibodies were conjugated with colloidal gold of different sizes (10 and 15 nm diameter). In the cerebellar cortex, double-labeled profiles were identified as Purkinje cells and profiles labeled only with anti-PV were identified as inteneurons. The densities of gold particles were used for statistical comparison of the relative levels of PV and calbindin D28K in somata, dendrites, dendritic spines, axons and axon terminals of Purkinje cells, and interneurons. The axons and axon terminals of Purkinje cells and basket cells had significantly higher levels of PV immunoreactivity than Purkinje cell somata, primary, secondary, and tertiary dendrites, and dendritic spines, as well as interneuron somata. On the other hand, the present study could not determine conclusively whether calbindin D28K was distributed homogeneously throughout soma, dendrites, and axons of Purkinje cells or was also concentrated in Purkinje cell axons. To estimate absolute PV concentrations, we made a series of artificial standard samples which were aldehyde-fixed 10% bovine serum albumin containing given concentrations of PV (0, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 microM, 1 and 2 mM), and calibration curves were deduced from quantitative immunogold analyses of these standard samples.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Calbindin D-28K and NADPH-diaphorase activity are localized in different populations of periglomerular cells in the rat olfactory bulb

Calbindin D-28k (CaBP) immunocytochemistry and NADPH-diaphorase (ND) histochemistry have been combined in the rat olfactory bulb by successive incubations of the same sections. The outer strata showed a similar neuronal staining pattern for both markers with positive periglomerular neurons (although the CaBP-stained periglomerular cells were six-fold more abundant than the ND-active ones) and larger neurons scattered in the glomerular and external plexiform layers. Both populations of periglomerular cells were distinct but they did not show specific morphological characteristics nor a predominant distribution around ND-positive and negative glomeruli. The colocalization study demonstrates that the larger ND and CaBP-stained juxtaglomerular cells, identified according to their size, location and processes branching patterns as two types of short axon cells (superficial short-axon and Van Gehuchten Cells) were also independent populations.

Parvalbumin and calbindin D-28K immunoreactivity in central ganglioglioma and dysplastic gangliocytoma of the cerebellum. Report of two cases

Calbindin D-28K and parvalbumin immunocytochemistry were used in the study of central ganglionic cell tumors. Most neurons in the ganglioglioma were immunoreactive to calbindin D-28K, but a few cells were labeled with antibodies against parvalbumin. In contrast, most cells in dysplastic gangliocytoma of the cerebellum were parvalbumin immunoreactive, but fewer reacted with anti-calbindin antibodies. These latter cells had two or three dendrites with claw-shaped terminals and axons with recurrent collateral branches and varicose terminals filled with strings and buttons. These observations suggest that central ganglionic cell tumors, including dysplastic gangliocytoma of the cerebellum, are composed of neurons which, on the basis of their calcium-binding protein content, have particular metabolic and electrophysiological properties.

Distribution of calbindin D-28K and parvalbumin immunoreactivities in the nucleus olfactorius anterior of the rat

The distributions of calbindin D-28K (CaBP) and parvalbumin (PV) in the rat nucleus olfactorius anterior (NOA) were described using monoclonal antibodies and the avidin-biotin-peroxidase method. The NOA showed a high immunoreactivity for CaBP, with a rostrocaudal increase in the positive neurons and fibres. Pars externa (NOAe) was the only subdivision which showed a low CaBP immunostaining. PV-positive elements were less abundant than those CaBP immunostained. The main difference in the distributions for both proteins was observed in the pars medialis which was practically PV negative. PV- and CaBP-stained neurons showed similar morphologies in the subdivisions where they were present. In NOAe, we observed a characteristic PV- and CaBP-positive neuronal type, with an oriented dendritic pattern. Transition areas were clearly observable in both CaBP- and PV-labelled sections.

Calretinin and calbindin-D28k in rat brain: patterns of partial co-localization

Calretinin and calbindin-D28k are homologous calcium-binding proteins, each present in a variety of neurons in the brain. Their distributions in the rat brain have been compared at the cellular level to determine whether they tend to occur in the same or in different cells, and to determine whether calbindin-positive cells show any common features once crossreaction with calretinin has been eliminated. The results show great heterogeneity. Most cells which contain one of the proteins do not contain the other, but many cells do contain both; even in the ventral cochlear nucleus, where there is abundant calretinin and most calbindin-like immunoreactivity is due to crossreaction, a few cells contain both proteins. In the substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area, many cells are double-positive but some only contain one or the other protein. Only the triangular septal nucleus is uniformly positive for both proteins. Cells which look like local-circuit neurons in many forebrain areas (cortex, hippocampus, olfactory bulb, anterior olfactory nucleus) are exclusively positive for either calretinin or calbindin, in spite of their similar morphology. In the more heterogeneous parts of the brain (including hypothalamus central gray and substantia gelatinosa), there are mixtures of calretinin-positive, calbindin-positive, and double-positive cells. In comparison with previous data on the chick, some aspects of the distributions are conserved, but double-positive cells are more frequent in the rat. The degree of heterogeneity observed, even within comparatively well-defined neuronal populations, makes it difficult to infer in what neuronal properties these proteins could be involved.

Immunohistochemical localization of calretinin in the rat lateral geniculate nucleus and its retino-geniculate projection

In the present study, we examined the distribution of calretinin-immunoreactive neuronal cell bodies and fibers in the lateral geniculate nucleus of the rat. In normal rats, clusters of immunoreactive cell bodies were found in: (i) the rostral portion of the ventral lateral geniculate nucleus pars medialis (VLGM), (ii) the intergeniculate leaflet (IGL), (iii) the intermediate region between the VLGM and the ventral lateral geniculate nucleus pars lateralis (VLGL), (iv) the caudomedial portion of the VLGM, and (v) the caudolateral portion of the VLGM. In the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (DLG), immunoreactive cell bodies were rarely observed. After uni- or bilateral eye enucleation, no significant alteration in the morphological features or distribution of immunoreactive cell bodies was detected in the lateral geniculate nucleus. In normal rats, immunoreactive fibers formed dense plexuses in: (i) the DLG, (ii) the external layer of the VLGL, (iii) the internal layer of the VLGL, (iv) the IGL, (v) the caudomedial portion of the VLGM, and (vi) the optic tract. After unilateral eye enucleation, immunoreactive fibers in the external layer of the VLG and in the optic tract almost totally disappeared on the contralateral side to the lesion. Unilateral eye enucleation caused a significant decrease of immunoreactive fibers in the DLG and in the internal layer of the VLGL, but a substantial number of immunoreactive fibers still remained there. In the IGL and the caudomedial portion of the VLGM, no observable alteration in the distribution of immunoreactive fibers was detected after uni- or bilateral eye enucleation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The relationship of calbindin-containing neurons with substance P, Leu-enkephalin and cholecystokinin fibres: an immunohistochemical study in the rat thalamus

In the rat thalamus, immunoreactivity for the calcium binding protein calbindin (Cb) is mostly confined to neuronal cell bodies, sometimes revealing proximal dendrites, of the midline, intralaminar and posterior regions. Substance P (SP)-, cholecystokinin (CCK)- and Leu-enkephalin (L-ENK)-immunoreactive (ir) elements in the thalamus are fibre-like structures, intermingled with punctate elements probably representing axonal arborizations and their synaptic boutons. These peptidergic fibres are unevenly distributed in several thalamic domains, including the areas that contain Cb-ir neurons. The relationship between Cb-ir cell bodies and these three different peptidergic systems of thalamic innervation was studied with immunohistochemistry. Single-labelling experiments on adjacent sections and double immunostaining on the same section were performed. A considerable overlap between Cb-ir perikarya and SP-ir fibres was found in most thalamic nuclei. In particular, in the intralaminar nuclei and posterior complex, SP-ir punctate elements were frequently observed in close proximity to Cb-ir cell bodies and dendrites. On the other hand, no consistent topographical correspondence between Cb-ir perikarya and CCK- or L-ENK-ir fibres was evident. Altogether, the present data suggest a selective anatomical and, possibly, functional relationship between SP and Cb in at least a subpopulation of rat thalamic neurons.

Calbindin-D28K (CaBP28k)-like Immunoreactivity in Ascending Projections

This study concerns the involvement of calbindin-D28K (CaBP28k)-containing neurons in ascending spinal projections to the brainstem (nucleus of the solitary tract, lateral reticular nucleus area), pontine (parabrachial area) and mesencephalic (periaqueductal grey) structures. All these central structures are important in the processing of visceroception and visceronociception and all are targets for spinal efferents from similar areas. CaBP28k controls the excitability of cells by acting on intrinsic calcium metabolism. Results refer to the caudal spinal areas where the visceroceptive regions are concentrated. Experiments were performed through a double labelling approach that combined the retrograde transport of a protein - gold complex to identify the projection cells and immunohistochemistry to identify the CaBP28k-positive cells. The caudal spinal cord is rich in both CaBP28k-containing and projection cells. Cells colocalizing the protein and the retrograde tracer were quite numerous, with a particularly high concentration in the superficial layers of the dorsal horn (laminae I and outer II) and the lateral spinal nucleus. The other spinal areas containing immunoreactive projection cells were the reticular part of the neck of the dorsal horn, the medial laminae VII and VIII, lamina X and the sacral parasympathetic nucleus. The superficial layers and the neck of the dorsal horn are targets for nociceptive, visceroceptive and thermal inputs; the sacral parasympathetic column and lamina X are involved in visceroceptive integration. A functional role for the lateral spinal nucleus has not yet been established. Quite similar results were obtained for each of the ascending pathways under study. The high incidence of CaBP28k in spinal pathways suggests that calbindin has a major role in controlling the excitability of spinal cells subserving the processing of visceroception and/or visceronociception information to supraspinal levels. The participation of CaBP28k-immunoreactive cells in spinal ascending tract cells largely outnumbers those previously reported for various neuropeptides (Leah et al., Neuroscience, 24, 195 - 207, 1988)

Calbindin D-28k-immunoreactivity in rat muscle spindles during postnatal maturation and after denervation

Calbindin D-28k-immunoreactivity has been demonstrated in some of the intrafusal muscle fibres and in the capsule of adult rat muscle spindles. In this study, the immunocytochemical localization of calbindin D-28k in the muscle spindles of triceps surae muscle was studied during postnatal maturation and after denervation. In young rats calbindin D-28k-immunoreactivity was seen in a few intrafusal fibres, first at the age of 4 days. At the 7th day, three calbindin D-28k-immunoreactive fibres and one unlabelled fibre were seen in most muscle spindles, as in adult rats. The spindle capsule and perineurial sheath of nerves were first seen to exhibit calbindin D-28k immunoreactivity at the age of 14 days, and thereafter the localization of calbinding D-28k-like immunoreactivity was similar to that in adult rats. After denervation, calbindin D-28k-immunoreactivity remained in intrafusal muscle fibres and the spindle capsule for a long period. After two months of denervation, calbindin D-28k immunoreactivity could still be seen in the spindle capsule, but the intrafusal fibres were not labelled. The innervation is known to have trophic effects on the intrafusal fibres. The present findings suggest that the expression of calbindin D-28k-immunoreactivity in maturating muscle spindles may be induced by the developing innervation. The decrease of calbindin D-28k-immunoreactivity in intrafusal fibres after denervation may be due to the loss of trophic factors released by the nerves.

Topographic organization of subcortical projections to the anterior thalamic nuclei in the rat

Subcortical projections to the anterior thalamic nuclei were studied in the rat, with special reference to projections from the mammillary nuclei, by retrograde and anterograde transport of wheat germ agglutinin conjugated to horseradish peroxidase. The medial mammillary nucleus (MM) projects predominantly ipsilaterally to the entire anterior thalamic nuclei, whereas the lateral mammillary nucleus projects bilaterally to the anterodorsal nucleus (AD) of the anterior thalamic nuclei. A topographic relationship was recognized between the MM and the anterior thalamic nuclei. The dorsal region of the pars mediana of the MM projects to the interanteromedial nucleus (IAM), whereas the ventral region projects to the rostral part of the anteromedial nucleus (AM). The dorsal and the ventral regions of the pars medialis project to the dorsomedial part of the AM at its caudal and rostral levels, respectively. The dorsomedial region of the pars lateralis projects to the ventral AM. The ventrolateral region of the pars lateralis projects to the ventral part of the anteroventral nucleus (AV) in such a manner that rostral cells project rostrally and caudal cells project caudally. The pars basalis projects predominantly ipsilaterally to the dorsolateral AV and bilaterally to the AD. The rostrolateral region of the pars posterior projects to the lateral AV, whereas the medial and the caudal regions of the pars posterior project to the dorsomedial AV. The rostrodorsal part of the nucleus reticularis thalami was found to project to the anterior thalamic nuclei; cells located rostrally in this part project to the IAM and AM, whereas cells located caudodorsally project to the AV and AD. The laterodorsal tegmental nucleus projects predominantly ipsilaterally to the AV, especially to its dorsolateral part. The present study demonstrates that subdivisions of the subcortical structures are connected to the subnuclei of the anterior thalamic nuclei, with a clear-cut topography arranged in the dorsoventral and the rostrocaudal dimensions.

VILIP, a cognate protein of the retinal calcium binding proteins visinin and recoverin, is expressed in the developing chicken brain

Using a selective cloning approach we previously isolated a number of cDNAs of transcripts that are newly expressed during terminal differentiation of the chicken optic tectum. Here, we have characterized one of these cDNAs (OZ1) by Northern analysis and in situ hybridization. The OZ1 cDNA hybridizes to two transcripts of 1.6 kb and 2.9 kb which are widely expressed in the brain but not detectable in liver, heart or skeletal muscle. Cloning of overlapping cDNAs revealed that both transcripts encode the same open reading frame for a polypeptide of 191 amino acids. The deduced protein contains 4 EF-hand consensus motifs characteristic of calmodulin-like Ca(2+)-binding proteins. It displays 40% and 46% sequence identity with the retinal photoreceptor-specific Ca(2+)-binding proteins visinin and recoverin, respectively, and was termed VILIP (visinin-like protein). VILIP transcripts are also expressed in the retina. However, the expression pattern does not overlap with that of visinin or recoverin. The possible functional implications of the similarity to recoverin, which regulates guanylate cyclase activity of retinal rod cells in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner, are discussed.

Calbindin D-28k-positive neurons in the rat olfactory bulb. An immunohistochemical study

We have studied the distribution of calbindin D-28k immunoreactivity in the rat olfactory bulb using specific monoclonal antibodies and the avidin-biotin-immunoperoxidase method. The largest number of positive neurons was located in the periglomerular layer. These neurons were identified as periglomerular cells; they have been described also by other authors as calbindin-positive elements. Close to these neurons, a second population of nerve cells was identified as superficial short-axon neurons. The remaining layers showed a smaller number of stained elements. Other labeled neurons were located along the external border of the external plexiform layer; the scarce neurons marking its internal border were identified as van Gehuchten cells. No immunoreactive structures were found in the mitral cell layer, although we observed another population of immuno-stained short-axon cells at its internal border. Some reactive structures, identified by us as horizontal and vertical cells of Cajal, were located in the boundary zone between the internal plexiform layer and the granule layer. In the white matter, we found a neuronal type characterized by its large size and oriented arborization of varicose dendrites.

Immunohistochemical markers in rat brain: colocalization of calretinin and calbindin-D28k with tyrosine hydroxylase

Many dopaminergic cells of the substantia nigra are known to contain the calcium-binding proteins calretinin and calbindin-D28k. Catecholaminergic cell groups throughout the rat brain were therefore examined by two-colour immunofluorescence to determine whether they too contained these calcium-binding proteins as well as tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). Some TH+ cell groups are mostly positive for both calretinin and calbindin, notably in the ventral tegmental area, the interfascicular nucleus, and parts of the substantia nigra. Other TH+ cell groups in the midbrain, hindbrain and hypothalamus are very diverse; different cell groups are positive for calretinin, or calbindin, or both, or neither. In the olfactory bulb, entirely separate sets of periglomerular cells are positive for TH, calretinin and calbindin. However, there is considerable heterogeneity in calcium-binding protein expression within most cell groups, even in the substantia nigra. This could be a sign that calcium-binding proteins are regulated according to aspects of neuronal activity.

Localization of gene expression of calreticulin in the brain of adult mouse

The localization of gene expression of calreticulin, a calcium-binding protein in the endoplasmic reticulum, was examined throughout the entire brain of adult mice by in situ hybridization. Calreticulin mRNA is expressed widely and heterogeneously in discrete neurons throughout the brain, but the white matters expressed it weekly or faintly. In the olfactory bulb, the mRNA is expresses moderately in the mitral cells, but weakly in the periglomerular cells and internal granule cells. In the cerebrum, the gene is expressed intensely in the piriform cortex, but weakly in neocortex, the entorhinal cortex and the amygdaloid nuclei. In the hippocampal formation, calreticulin mRNA is expressed intensely in the CA1-CA3 regions but less intensely in the granule cells of the dentate gyrus. The caudate-putamen, thalamic and hypothalamic nuclei, and mammillary nuclei express the mRNA weakly or faintly. In the mesencephalon, pons and medulla, moderate expression of the mRNA is detected in the pontine nuclei and the locus ceruleus. Weak expression of the mRNA is detected in several discrete nuclei and zones such as the substantia nigra, the superior colliculus and the central gray. Expression signals of calreticulin mRNA are faint in the inferior olive. In the cerebellum, calreticulin mRNA is expressed moderately in the Purkinje cells whereas no significant expression is detected in the granule cells. The plexus choroideus of the lateral, third and fourth ventriculi express calreticulin mRNA intensely although no distinct expression of the mRNA is discerned in the ependyma.

Immunohistochemical markers in rat cortex: co-localization of calretinin and calbindin-D28k with neuropeptides and GABA

Calretinin and calbindin-D28k are two calcium-binding proteins which are present in separate populations of interneurons in cerebral cortex and hippocampus. To identify these cells with the populations expressing different transmitters, two-colour immunofluorescence was done with antibodies against the calcium-binding proteins plus antibodies against vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), somatostatin (SRIF), or gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). In neocortex, calretinin is partially co-localized with VIP (especially in the deeper layers) and is not co-localized with SRIF. Calbindin is largely co-localized with SRIF, and not with VIP. Both calretinin and calbindin are partially co-localized with GABA. In piriform and entorhinal cortex, the patterns resemble those in neocortex. In hippocampus, preliminary data indicate greater heterogeneity, especially in the ventral part; at least a few double-positive cells are present for every combination of calcium-binding protein and neuropeptide. These results expand the known diversity of local-circuit neurons in cortical regions.