Localization and distribution of Neurokininª²4 receptor in neurons of cerebral cortex of adult mice

    LI Yuanª²Li, BIAN Ganª²Lan, ZHANG Jinª²Ping, CHEN Jianª²Zong, CHEN Liangª²Wei

    Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Senile Disease, Xijing Hospital, PLA Institute of Neuroscience, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi¬ðan 710033, China

    ¡¾Abstract¡¿ AIM: To examine the localization and distribution patterns of neuronkininª²4 receptor (NKª²4R) in neurons of the cerebral cortex of adult mice. METHODS: By using Nissl staining, immunoenzyme histochemistry and double immunofluorescent staining, the distribution patterns of neurons in the layers of cerebral cortex, the localizations of NKª²4R and neuronal nuª²clear specific protein (NeuN), NKª²4R and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the neurons of cerebral cortex of C57/BL mice were observed, and their distributions were analyzed by semiª²quantitative method. RESULTS: NKª²4Rª²immunoreactivity was found extensively localized in neuronal somata and neurite of cerebral cortex (layer¢ò, ¢ô, ¢ö), and mainy in layer ¢ó, ¢õ. Doubleª²labeling experiments confirmed that 100% NKª²4Rª²immunoreactive neurons coª²expressed NeuN, but not GFAP. CONCLUSION: The localization and distribution of NKª²4R in the neurons of cerebral cortex of mice suggests that the novel NKª²4R may be involved in the modulation of neuronal properties and the process of neuronal pathological changes in the cerebral cortex of mammals. ......