Entorhinal cortex lesion does not alter reelin messenger RNA expression in the dentate gyrus of young and adult rats

Position- and Time-Dependent Arc Expression Links Neuronal Activity to Synaptic Plasticity During Epileptogenesis

In mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE) an initial precipitating injury can trigger aberrant wiring of neuronal circuits causing seizure activity. While circuit reorganization is known to be largely activity-dependent, the interactions between neuronal activity and synaptic plasticity during the development of mTLE remain poorly understood. Therefore, the present study aimed at delineating the spatiotemporal relationship between epileptic activity, activity-dependent gene expression and synaptic plasticity during kainic acid-induced epileptogenesis in mice. We show that during epileptogenesis the sclerotic hippocampus differed from non-sclerotic regions by displaying a consistently lower power of paroxysmal discharges. However, the power of these discharges steadily increased during epileptogenesis. This increase was paralleled by the upregulation of the activity-related cytoskeleton protein (Arc) gene expression in dentate granule cells (DGCs) of the sclerotic hippocampus. Importantly, we found that Arc mRNA-upregulating DGCs exhibited increased spine densities and spine sizes, but at the same time decreased AMPA-type glutamate receptor (AMPAR) densities. Finally, we show that in vivo optogenetic stimulation of DGC synapses evoked robust seizure activity in epileptic mice, but failed to induce dendritic translocation of Arc mRNA as under healthy conditions, supporting the theory of a breakdown of the dentate gate in mTLE. We conclude that during epileptogenesis epileptic activity emerges early and persists in the whole hippocampus, however, only the sclerotic part shows modulation of discharge amplitudes accompanied by plasticity of DGCs. In this context, we identified Arc as a putative mediator between seizure activity and synaptic plasticity.

The effect of 17β-estradiol on the expression of dipeptidyl peptidase III and heme oxygenase 1 in liver of CBA/H mice

BACKGROUND

17β-estradiol (E₂) has well-established cardioprotective, antioxidant and neuroprotective role, and exerts a vast range of biological effects in both sexes. Dipeptidyl peptidase III (DPP III) is protease involved as activator in Keap1-Nrf2 signalling pathway, which is important in cellular defense to oxidative and electrophilic stress. It is generally accepted that oxidative stress is crucial in promoting liver diseases.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effect of E₂ on the expression of DPP III and haeme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) in liver of adult CBA/H mice of both sexes.

METHODS

Gene and protein expressions of studied enzymes were determined by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analysis. Immunohistochemistry was performed to analyse the localization of both proteins in different liver cell types.

RESULTS

Ovariectomy diminished expression of DPP III and HO-1 proteins. E₂ administration abolished this effect, and even increased these proteins above the control. A significant enhancement in DPP III protein was found in E₂-treated males, as well. A decrease in the expression of HO-1, but not of the DPP III gene, was detected in the liver of ovariectomized females. HO-1 protein was found localized in the pericentral areas of hepatic lobules (Kupffer cells and hepatocytes), whilst DPP III showed a uniform distribution within hepatic tissue.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrate for the first time that E₂ influences the protein level of DPP III in vivo, and confirm earlier finding on HO-1 gene upregulation by 17β-estradiol. These results additionally confer new insights into complexity of protective action of E₂.

Reelin together with ApoER2 regulates interneuron migration in the olfactory bulb

One pathway regulating the migration of neurons during development of the mammalian cortex involves the extracellular matrix protein Reelin. Reelin and components of its signaling cascade, the lipoprotein receptors ApoER2 and Vldlr and the intracellular adapter protein Dab1 are pivotal for a correct layer formation during corticogenesis. The olfactory bulb (OB) as a phylogenetically old cortical region is known to be a prominent site of Reelin expression. Although some aspects of Reelin function in the OB have been described, the influence of Reelin on OB layer formation has so far been poorly analyzed. Here we studied animals deficient for either Reelin, Vldlr, ApoER2 or Dab1 as well as double-null mutants. We performed organotypic migration assays, immunohistochemical marker analysis and BrdU incorporation studies to elucidate roles for the different components of the Reelin signaling cascade in OB neuroblast migration and layer formation. We identified ApoER2 as being the main receptor responsible for Reelin mediated detachment of neuroblasts and correct migration of early generated interneurons within the OB, a prerequisite for correct OB lamination.

Increase in BDNF-mediated TrkB signaling promotes epileptogenesis in a mouse model of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy

Mesio-temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE), the most common drug-resistant epilepsy syndrome, is characterized by the recurrence of spontaneous focal seizures after a latent period that follows, in most patients, an initial insult during early childhood. Many of the mechanisms that have been associated with the pathophysiology of MTLE are known to be regulated by brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the healthy brain and an excess of this neurotrophin could therefore play a critical role in MTLE development. However, such a function remains controversial as other studies revealed that BDNF could, on the contrary, exert protective effects regarding epilepsy development. In the present study, we further addressed the role of increased BDNF/TrkB signaling on the progressive development of hippocampal seizures in the mouse model of MTLE obtained by intrahippocampal injection of kainate. We show that hippocampal seizures progressively developed in the injected hippocampus during the first two weeks following kainate treatment, within the same time-frame as a long-lasting and significant increase of BDNF expression in dentate granule cells. To determine whether such a BDNF increase could influence hippocampal epileptogenesis via its TrkB receptors, we examined the consequences of (i) increased or (ii) decreased TrkB signaling on epileptogenesis, in transgenic mice overexpressing the (i) TrkB full-length or (ii) truncated TrkB-T1 receptors of BDNF. Epileptogenesis was significantly facilitated in mice with increased TrkB signaling but delayed in mutants with reduced TrkB signaling. In contrast, TrkB signaling did not influence granule cell dispersion, an important feature of this mouse model which is also observed in most MTLE patients. These results suggest that an increase in TrkB signaling, mediated by a long-lasting BDNF overexpression in the hippocampus, promotes epileptogenesis in MTLE.

Early life stress stimulates hippocampal reelin gene expression in a sex-specific manner: evidence for corticosterone-mediated action

Early life stress predisposes to the development of psychiatric disorders. In this context the hippocampal formation is of particular interest, because it is affected by stress on the structural and cognitive level. Since little is known how early life stress is translated on the molecular level, we mimicked early life stress in mouse models and analyzed the expression of the glycoprotein Reelin, a master molecule for development and differentiation of the hippocampus. From postnatal day 1 (P1) to P14, mouse pups were subjected to one of the following treatments: nonhandling (NH), handling (H), maternal separation (MS), and early deprivation (ED) followed by immediate (P15) or delayed (P70) real time RT-PCR analysis of reelin mRNA expression. We show that at P15, reelin mRNA levels were significantly increased in male H and ED groups when compared with the NH group. In contrast, no stress-induced alterations of reelin mRNA expression were found in female animals. This sex difference in stress-mediated stimulation of reelin expression was maintained into adulthood, since at P70 intergroup differences were still found in male, but not in female mice. On the cellular level, however, we did not find any significant differences in cell densities of Reelin-immunolabeled neurons between treatment groups or sexes, but an overall reduction of Reelin-expressing neurons in the adult hippocampus when compared to P15. To address the question whether corticosterone mediates the stress-induced up-regulation of reelin gene expression, we used age-matched hippocampal slice cultures derived from male and female mouse pups. Quantitative determination of mRNA levels revealed that corticosterone treatment significantly up-regulated reelin mRNA expression in male, but not in female hippocampi. Taken together, these results show a sex-specific regulation of reelin gene expression by early life experience, most likely mediated by corticosterone.

Regional and cellular localization of the CXCl12/SDF-1 chemokine receptor CXCR7 in the developing and adult rat brain

The chemokine stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) regulates neuronal development via the chemokine receptor CXCR4. In the adult brain the SDF-1/CXCR4 system was implicated in neurogenesis, neuromodulation, brain inflammation, tumor growth, and HIV encephalopathy. Until the recent identification of RDC1/CXCR7 as the second SDF-1 receptor, CXCR4 was considered to be the only receptor for SDF-1. Here we provide the first map of CXCR7 mRNA expression in the embryonic and adult rat brain. At embryonic stages, CXCR7 and CXCR4 were codistributed in the germinative zone of the ganglionic eminences, caudate putamen, and along the routes of GABAergic precursors migrating toward the cortex. In the cortex, CXCR7 was identified in GABAergic precursors and in some reelin-expressing Cajal-Retzius cells. Unlike CXCR4, CXCR7 was abundant in neurons forming the cortical plate and sparse in the developing dentate gyrus and cerebellar external germinal layer. In the adult brain, CXCR7 was expressed by blood vessels, pyramidal cells in CA3, and mature dentate gyrus granule cells, which is reminiscent of the SDF-1 pattern. CXCR7 and CXCR4 overlapped in the wall of the four ventricles. Further neuronal structures expressing CXCR7 comprised the olfactory bulb, accumbens shell, supraoptic and ventromedial hypothalamic nuclei, medial thalamus, and brain stem motor nuclei. Also, GLAST-expressing astrocytes showed signals for CXCR7. Thus, CXCR4 and CXCR7 may cooperate or act independently in SDF-1-dependent neuronal development. In mature neurons and blood vessels CXCR7 appears to be the preponderant SDF-1-receptor.

Divergent roles of ApoER2 and Vldlr in the migration of cortical neurons

Reelin, its lipoprotein receptors [very low density lipoprotein receptor (Vldlr) and apolipoprotein E receptor 2 (ApoER2; also known as Lrp8)], and the cytoplasmic adaptor protein disabled 1 (Dab1) are important for the correct formation of layers in the cerebral cortex. Reeler mice lacking the reelin protein show altered radial neuronal migration resulting in an inversion of cortical layers. ApoER2 Vldlr double-knockout mutants and Dab1 mutants show a reeler-like phenotype, whereas milder phenotypes are found if only one of the two lipoprotein receptors for reelin is absent. However, the precise role of the individual reelin receptors in neuronal migration remained unclear. In the study reported here, we performed fate mapping of newly generated cortical neurons in single and double receptor mutants using bromodeoxyuridine-labeling and layer-specific markers. We present evidence for divergent roles of the two reelin receptors Vldlr and ApoER2, with Vldlr mediating a stop signal for migrating neurons and ApoER2 being essential for the migration of late generated neocortical neurons.

Lesion-Induced Axonal Sprouting in the Central Nervous System

Injury or neuronal death often come about as a result of brain disorders. Inasmuch as the damaged nerve cells are interconnected via projections to other regions of the brain, such lesions lead to axonal loss in distal target areas. The central nervous system responds to deafferentation by means of plastic remodeling processes, in particular by inducing outgrowth of new axon collaterals from surviving neurons (collateral sprouting). These sprouting processes result in a partial reinnervation, new circuitry, and functional changes within the deafferented brain regions. Lesioning of the entorhinal cortex is an established model system for studying the phenomenon of axonal sprouting. Using this model system, it could be shown that the sprouting process respects the pre-existing lamination pattern of the deafferented fascia dentata, i. e., it is layer-specific. A variety of different molecules are involved in regulating this reorganization process (extracellular matrix molecules, cell adhesion molecules, transcription factors, neurotrophic factors, growth-associated proteins). It is proposed here that molecules of the extracellular matrix define the boundaries of the laminae following entorhinal lesioning and in so doing limit the sprouting process to the deafferented zone. To illustrate the role of axonal sprouting in disease processes, special attention is given to its significance for neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Alzheimer's disease (AD), and temporal lobe epilepsy. Finally, we discuss both the beneficial as well as disadvantageous functional implications of axonal sprouting for the injured organism in question.

Reelin deficiency and displacement of mature neurons, but not neurogenesis, underlie the formation of granule cell dispersion in the epileptic hippocampus

Mesio-temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) is often accompanied by granule cell dispersion (GCD), a widening of the granule cell layer. The molecular determinants of GCD are poorly understood. Here, we used an animal model to study whether GCD results from an increased dentate neurogenesis associated with an abnormal migration of the newly generated granule cells. Adult mice were given intrahippocampal injections of kainate (KA) known to induce focal epileptic seizures and GCD, comparable to the changes observed in human MTLE. Ipsilateral GCD progressively developed after KA injection and was paralleled by a gradual decrease in the expression of doublecortin, a marker of newly generated granule cells, in the dentate subgranular layer. Staining with Fluoro-Jade B revealed little cell degeneration in the subgranular layer on the KA-injected side. Labeling with bromodeoxyuridine showed an early, transient increase in mitotic activity in the dentate gyrus of the KA-injected hippocampus that gave rise to microglial cells and astrocytes but not to new neurons. Moreover, at later time points, there was a virtually complete cessation of mitotic activity in the injected hippocampus (where GCD continued to develop), but not on the contralateral side (where no GCD was observed). Finally, a significant decrease in reelin mRNA synthesis in the injected hippocampus paralleled the development of GCD, and neutralization of reelin by application of the CR-50 antibody induced GCD. These results show that GCD does not result from increased neurogenesis but reflects a displacement of mature granule cells, most likely caused by a local reelin deficiency.

Extracellular matrix molecules and synaptic plasticity: immunomapping of intracellular and secreted Reelin in the adult rat brain

Reelin, a large extracellular matrix glycoprotein, is secreted by several neuron populations in the developing and adult rodent brain. Secreted Reelin triggers a complex signaling pathway by binding lipoprotein and integrin membrane receptors in target cells. Reelin signaling regulates migration and dendritic growth in developing neurons, while it can modulate synaptic plasticity in adult neurons. To identify which adult neural circuits can be modulated by Reelin-mediated signaling, we systematically mapped the distribution of Reelin in adult rat brain using sensitive immunolabeling techniques. Results show that the distribution of intracellular and secreted Reelin is both very widespread and specific. Some interneuron and projection neuron populations in the cerebral cortex contain Reelin. Numerous striatal neurons are weakly immunoreactive for Reelin and these cells are preferentially located in striosomes. Some thalamic nuclei contain Reelin-immunoreactive cells. Double-immunolabeling for GABA and Reelin reveals that the Reelin-immunoreactive cells in the visual thalamus are the intrinsic thalamic interneurons. High local concentrations of extracellular Reelin selectively outline several dendrite spine-rich neuropils. Together with previous mRNA data, our observations suggest abundant axoplasmic transport and secretion in pathways such as the retino-collicular tract, the entorhino-hippocampal ('perforant') path, the lateral olfactory tract or the parallel fiber system of the cerebellum. A preferential secretion of Reelin in these neuropils is consistent with reports of rapid, activity-induced structural changes in adult brain circuits.

Reelin-immunoreactivity in the hippocampal formation of 9-month-old wildtype mouse: effects of APP/PS1 genotype and ovariectomy

Reelin, an extracellular matrix protein has an important role in the migration, correct positioning and maturation of neurons during development. Though it is generally down-regulated in the postnatal period, expression of this large glycoprotein continues in the adult brain in some cell populations. In the present study, we examined the distribution of reelin-immunoreactivity (-ir) in the hippocampal formation of 9-month-old wildtype mice (WT). Then, reelin-ir in normal mice was compared to that of transgenic mice (APP/PS1) carrying mutated human APP and PS1 genes, which are linked to the familial form of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The APP/PS1 mice were additionally burdened with a second risk factor for AD, namely depletion of circulating gonadal hormones by ovariectomy (APP/PS1 + OVX). The analyses revealed that in adult WT reelin-ir is expressed by Cajal-Retzius cells and a subgroup of interneurons throughout the hippocampal formation. In addition, layer II projection neurons in the lateral entorhinal subfields are reelin-ir. Interestingly, ovariectomy decreases the number of reelin-ir cells in the hilus in WT mice, whereas AD-related genotype alone induces only a non-significant reduction. Unexpectedly, additional stress, e.g., depletion of gonadal hormones, does not aggravate the slight reduction in the reelin cell number in the APP/PS1 mice. We propose that the changes in normal reelin-ir are linked to disturbances in repair mechanisms in which APP/PS1 and gonadal hormones are involved and which are perturbed in neurodegenerative conditions, namely AD.

CXCR4 regulates interneuron migration in the developing neocortex

The chemotactic factors directing interneuron migration during cerebrocortical development are essentially unknown. Here we identify the CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) in interneuron precursors migrating from the basal forebrain to the neocortex and demonstrate that stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) is a potent chemoattractant for isolated striatal precursors. In addition, we show that CXCR4 is present in early generated Cajal-Retzius cells of the cortical marginal zone. In mice with a null mutation in CXCR4 or SDF-1, interneurons were severely underrepresented in the superficial layers and ectopically placed in the deep layers of the neocortex. In contrast, the submeningeal positioning of Cajal-Retzius cells was unaffected. Thus, our findings suggest that SDF-1, which is highly expressed in the embryonic leptomeninx, selectively regulates migration and layer-specific integration of CXCR4-expressing interneurons during neocortical development.

Laminar distribution of synaptopodin in normal and reeler mouse brain depends on the position of spine-bearing neurons

Synaptopodin is the first member of a novel class of proline-rich actin-associated proteins. In brain, it is present in the neck of a subset of mature telencephalic spines and is associated closely with the spine apparatus, a Ca(2+) storing organelle within the spine compartment. The characteristic region- and lamina-specific distribution of synaptopodin in rat brain suggested that the distribution pattern of synaptopodin depends on the cytoarchitectonic arrangement of spine-bearing neurons. To test this hypothesis, synaptopodin was studied in the cortex, striatum, and hippocampus of normal and reeler mice, in which developmental cell migration defects have disrupted the normal array of cells. In situ hybridization histochemistry as well as light- and electron microscopic immunocytochemistry were used. In brain of normal mice, the pattern of synaptopodin mRNA-expressing cells corresponds to that of spine-bearing neurons and synaptopodin protein is found in a region- and lamina-specific distribution pattern. It is specifically sorted to the spine neck where it is associated closely with the spine apparatus. In brain of reeler mice, the pattern of synaptopodin mRNA-expressing cells corresponds to that of the abnormally positioned spine-bearing neurons and the region- and lamina-specific distribution pattern is absent or altered. Nevertheless, synaptopodin was specifically sorted to the spine neck, as in controls. These data demonstrate that the light microscopic distribution pattern of synaptopodin protein depends on the position and orientation of the spine-bearing neurons. The intracellular sorting process, however, is independent of positional cues.

Reelin, Disabled 1, and beta 1 integrins are required for the formation of the radial glial scaffold in the hippocampus

The extracellular matrix molecule Reelin is required for the correct positioning of neurons during the development of the forebrain. However, the mechanism of Reelin action on neuronal migration is poorly understood. Reelin is assumed to act on neurons directly, but it may also affect the differentiation of glial cells necessary for neuronal migration. Here we show that a regular glial scaffold fails to form in vivo in the dentate gyrus of mice deficient of Reelin or Disabled 1, a neuronal adaptor protein in the Reelin signaling pathway. A subset of these defects is observed in mice that lack beta(1)-class integrins, known to bind Reelin. Moreover, recombinant Reelin induced branching of glial processes in vitro. Our data suggest that Reelin affects glial differentiation via Disabled 1 and beta(1)-class integrin-dependent signaling pathways.

Role for reelin in the development of granule cell dispersion in temporal lobe epilepsy

The reelin signaling pathway plays a crucial role during the development of laminated structures in the mammalian brain. Reelin, which is synthesized and secreted by Cajal-Retzius cells in the marginal zone of the neocortex and hippocampus, is proposed to act as a stop signal for migrating neurons. Here we show that a decreased expression of reelin mRNA by hippocampal Cajal-Retzius cells correlates with the extent of migration defects in the dentate gyrus of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. These results suggest that reelin is required for normal neuronal lamination in humans, and that deficient reelin expression may be involved in migration defects associated with temporal lobe epilepsy.

Molecules involved in reactive sprouting in the hippocampus

Denervation of the hippocampus triggers reactive responses in neurons and glial cells in their affected strata in a temporally ordered fashion. Many of these responses have been studied extensively, focusing on the one hand on glial initiation and clearing responses during the degeneration phase and, on the other, on transneuronal reorganization and the newly adjusted physiological balance. We used the entorhinal cortex lesion (ECL) as a model system to study the cues that underlie the layer-specific sprouting response. This lesion destroys the perforant path, which is a massive excitatory projection to the dentate gyrus and hippocampus proper. In the deafferented zones of the hippocampus, sprouting of the remaining unlesioned fibers occurs, which replaces the lost afferences of the perforant path. We focus on candidate molecules which govern the layer-specific sprouting of the remaining axons and, in particular, on membrane-bound cues. The fact that layer-specific sprouting occurs even in the adult central nervous system (CNS) provides a valuable model for understanding the mechanisms of reactive neuronal growth and reorganization in the adult CNS. Isolation and analysis of the molecules involved in these mechanisms are important steps in understanding the potential and limitations of regeneration in the CNS.

Stereological estimates of total neuron numbers in the hippocampus of adult reeler mutant mice: Evidence for an increased survival of Cajal-Retzius cells

The cytoarchitecture of the brain is disrupted severely in reeler mice. This is caused by a deficiency in the protein, Reelin, which is essential for the normal migration and positioning of neurons during development. Although cell migration is clearly affected by the reeler mutation, it is believed that the total number of neurons is not. Thus, we were surprised to find an unusually large number of calretinin-immunopositive cells, presumably Cajal-Retzius cells, in the molecular layer of the adult reeler hippocampus (Deller et al. [1999]; Exp. Neurol. 156:239-253). This suggested that the reeler mutation affects the number of neurons in the hippocampus. In order to verify this hypothesis, unbiased stereological methods were employed. Calretinin immunostaining was used as a marker for Cajal-Retzius cells in control as well as reeler mice and Nissl staining was used to identify hippocampal principal neurons. Total numbers of calretinin-immunopositive cells, calretinin-immunoreactive Cajal-Retzius cells, and Nissl-stained neurons were estimated in different subfields of the reeler and the control hippocampus. Stereological estimates (P < 0.05) revealed that the total number of calretinin-immunopositive and Cajal-Retzius cells in reeler mice are 1.5 and 2.1 times that of controls, respectively. No significant difference in total neuron number was found in any hippocampal subfield. These data demonstrate that the reeler mutation affects the number of calretinin-immunoreactive Cajal-Retzius cells in the adult hippocampus, probably due to a reduced excitatory innervation by entorhinal terminals in the absence of reelin. However, the reeler mutation does not affect mechanisms that determine total hippocampal neuron number.

Novel and transient populations of corticotropin-releasing hormone-expressing neurons in developing hippocampus suggest unique functional roles: a quantitative spatiotemporal analysis

Robust physiological actions of the neuropeptide corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) on hippocampal pyramidal neurons have been demonstrated, which may contribute to synaptic efficacy and to learning and memory processes. These excitatory actions of the peptide, as well as the expression of the CRH receptor type that mediates them, are particularly prominent during early postnatal life, suggesting that endogenous CRH may contribute to processes involved in maturation of hippocampal circuitry. To further elucidate the function(s) of endogenous CRH in developing hippocampus, we used neurochemical and quantitative stereological methods to characterize in detail CRH-expressing neuronal populations during postnatal hippocampal differentiation. These experiments revealed progressively increasing numbers of CRH-expressing neurons in developing hippocampus that peaked on postnatal day 11-18 and then declined drastically to adult levels. These cells belonged to several discrete populations, distinguished by GAD67 mRNA expression, morphology, and distinct spatiotemporal distribution profiles. Importantly, a novel population of Cajal-Retzius-like CRH-expressing neurons was characterized that exists only transiently in early postnatal hippocampus and is positioned to contribute to the establishment of hippocampal connectivity. These findings suggest novel, age-specific roles for CRH in regulating early developmental events in the hippocampal formation.

Reorganization of the rat fascia dentata after a unilateral entorhinal cortex lesion. Role of the extracellular matrix

Entorhinal cortex lesion (ECL) partially denervates the fascia dentata of the hippocampus. This is said to induce the sprouting of intact fibers from neighboring layers that invade the zone of the degenerating axons. However, recent studies using anterograde tracing failed to demonstrate sprouting across laminar boundaries. Sprouting does occur, but it mainly involves unlesioned fiber systems terminating within the layer of fiber degeneration. It is now of interest to identify the cues that could underlie this layer-specific sprouting response. Since extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules delineate boundaries of axonal growth during development, it was tested whether these molecules play a similar role during the sprouting process following ECL. After ECL, reactive astrocytes rapidly synthesize and secrete growth-inhibiting ECM molecules, such as tenascin-C and the chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan neurocan, into the ECM of the outer molecular layer. These molecules form a sharp border against the nondenervated inner molecular layer. This pattern of ECM molecule expression may contribute to the layer-specific sprouting response of surviving afferents after ECL: axons trying to grow into the denervated outer molecular layer, for example, from the inner molecular layer, would be deflected by a growth-inhibiting ECM barrier.