Relationship of calbindin D-28k and cholinergic neurons in the nucleus basalis of Meynert of the monkey and the rat

Distinct projection targets define subpopulations of mouse brainstem vagal neurons that express the autism-associated MET receptor tyrosine kinase

Detailed anatomical tracing and mapping of the viscerotopic organization of the vagal motor nuclei has provided insight into autonomic function in health and disease. To further define specific cellular identities, we paired information based on visceral connectivity with a cell-type specific marker of a subpopulation of neurons in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) and nucleus ambiguus (nAmb) that express the autism-associated MET receptor tyrosine kinase. As gastrointestinal disturbances are common in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), we sought to define the relationship between MET-expressing (MET+) neurons in the DMV and nAmb, and the gastrointestinal tract. Using wholemount tissue staining and clearing, or retrograde tracing in a MET^EGFP transgenic mouse, we identify three novel subpopulations of EGFP+ vagal brainstem neurons: (a) EGFP+ neurons in the nAmb projecting to the esophagus or laryngeal muscles, (b) EGFP+ neurons in the medial DMV projecting to the stomach, and (b) EGFP+ neurons in the lateral DMV projecting to the cecum and/or proximal colon. Expression of the MET ligand, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), by tissues innervated by vagal motor neurons during fetal development reveal potential sites of HGF-MET interaction. Furthermore, similar cellular expression patterns of MET in the brainstem of both the mouse and nonhuman primate suggests that MET expression at these sites is evolutionarily conserved. Together, the data suggest that MET+ neurons in the brainstem vagal motor nuclei are anatomically positioned to regulate distinct portions of the gastrointestinal tract, with implications for the pathophysiology of gastrointestinal comorbidities of ASD.

Amygdala projections to the lateral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis in the macaque: comparison with ventral striatal afferents

The lateral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BSTL) is involved in mediating anxiety-related behaviors to sustained aversive stimuli. The BSTL forms part of the central extended amygdala, a continuum composed of the BSTL, the amygdala central nucleus, and cell columns running between the two. The central subdivision (BSTLcn) and the juxtacapsular subdivision (BSTLJ) are two BSTL regions that lie above the anterior commissure, near the ventral striatum. The amygdala, a heterogeneous structure that encodes emotional salience, projects to both the BSTL and ventral striatum. We placed small injections of retrograde tracers into the BSTL, focusing on the BSTLcn and BSTLJ, and analyzed the distribution of labeled cells in amygdala subregions. We compared this to the pattern of labeled cells following injections into the ventral striatum. All retrograde results were confirmed by anterograde studies. We found that the BSTLcn receives stronger amygdala inputs relative to the BSTLJ. Furthermore, the BSTLcn is defined by inputs from the corticoamygdaloid transition area and central nucleus, while the BSTLJ receives inputs mainly from the magnocellular accessory basal and basal nucleus. In the ventral striatum, the dorsomedial shell receives inputs that are similar, but not identical, to inputs to the BSTLcn. In contrast, amygdala projections to the ventral shell/core are similar to projections to the BSTLJ. These findings indicate that the BSTLcn and BSTLJ receive distinct amygdala afferent inputs and that the dorsomedial shell is a transition zone with the BSTLcn, while the ventral shell/core are transition zones with the BSTLJ.

Alterations of Ca²⁺-responsive proteins within cholinergic neurons in aging and Alzheimer's disease

The molecular basis of selective neuronal vulnerability in Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains poorly understood. Using basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCNs) as a model and immunohistochemistry, we have demonstrated significant age-related loss of the calcium-binding protein calbindin-D(28K) (CB) from BFCN, which was associated with tangle formation and degeneration in AD. Here, we determined alterations in RNA and protein for CB and the Ca(2+)-responsive proteins Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase I (CaMKI), growth-associated protein-43 (GAP43), and calpain in the BF. We observed progressive downregulation of CB and CaMKI RNA in laser-captured BFCN in the normal-aged-AD continuum. We also detected progressive loss of CB, CaMKIδ, and GAP43 proteins in BF homogenates in aging and AD. Activated μ-calpain, a calcium-sensitive protease that degrades CaMKI and GAP43, was significantly increased in the normal aged BF and was 10 times higher in AD BF. Overactivation of μ-calpain was confirmed using proteolytic fragments of its substrate spectrin. Substantial age- and AD-related alterations in Ca(2+)-sensing proteins most likely contribute to selective vulnerability of BFCN to degeneration in AD.

Adult mouse basal forebrain harbors two distinct cholinergic populations defined by their electrophysiology

We performed whole-cell recordings from basal forebrain (BF) cholinergic neurons in transgenic mice expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) under the control of the choline acetyltransferase promoter. BF cholinergic neurons can be differentiated into two electrophysiologically identifiable subtypes: early and late firing neurons. Early firing neurons (∼70%) are more excitable, show prominent spike frequency adaptation and are more susceptible to depolarization blockade, a phenomenon characterized by complete silencing of the neuron following initial action potentials. Late firing neurons (∼30%), albeit being less excitable, could maintain a tonic discharge at low frequencies. In voltage clamp analysis, we have shown that early firing neurons have a higher density of low voltage activated (LVA) calcium currents. These two cholinergic cell populations might be involved in distinct functions: the early firing group being more suitable for phasic changes in cortical acetylcholine release associated with attention while the late firing neurons could support general arousal by maintaining tonic acetylcholine levels.

Selective age-related loss of calbindin-D28k from basal forebrain cholinergic neurons in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)

A significant number of the cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain of the primate, but not the rodent brain contain the calcium binding protein calbindin-D28k (CB). Previous experiments in our laboratory have demonstrated a substantial age-related loss of CB from the human basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCN). The present study investigated the possible age-related loss of CB from the BFCN in a non-human primate species, the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus). Quantitative analysis of matching sections as well as unbiased stereological determination of neuronal number were used in 16 adult marmosets ranging in age between 2 and 15 years. No significant changes were observed in the number of choline acetyltransferase-positive BFCN when a group of young animals (< or =4 years) was compared with a 6-8-year-old group and a 9-15-year-old group. Similarly, no age-related changes were observed in Nissl-stained magnocellular basal forebrain (putatively cholinergic) neurons. In contrast, the BFCN of the two older groups of animals displayed a significant loss of CB. The age-related loss of CB occurred in all sectors of the BFCN, but was greatest in the anterior sector of this cell group. The CB loss was neurochemically specific since the BFCN in the older groups of animals continued to express other markers such as high and low affinity neurotrophin receptors. The age-related loss of CB from the marmoset BFCN was also regionally selective as CB positive neurons in other structures, such as the cerebral cortex and the striatum displayed no apparent age-related changes. These results indicate that the marmoset BFCN display a significant and selective age-related loss of CB reminiscent of that observed in the human. Therefore, the common marmoset represents an appropriate animal model in which the consequences of BFCN CB loss can be investigated in depth. Loss of CB from the aged BFCN is likely to reduce the capacity of these neurons to buffer intracellular calcium and to leave them vulnerable to insults which can result in increased calcium levels. The vulnerability of the CB-negative BFCN in the aged marmoset to various insults which disturb calcium homeostasis remains to be investigated.

Rabbit forebrain cholinergic system: morphological characterization of nuclei and distribution of cholinergic terminals in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus

Although the rabbit brain, in particular the basal forebrain cholinergic system, has become a common model for neuropathological changes associated with Alzheimer's disease, detailed neuroanatomical studies on the morphological organization of basal forebrain cholinergic nuclei and on their output pathways are still awaited. Therefore, we performed quantitative choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) immunocytochemistry to localize major cholinergic nuclei and to determine the number of respective cholinergic neurons in the rabbit forebrain. The density of ChAT-immunoreactive terminals in layer V of distinct neocortical territories and in hippocampal subfields was also measured. Another cholinergic marker, the low-affinity neurotrophin receptor (p75(NTR)), was also employed to identify subsets of cholinergic neurons. Double-immunofluorescence labeling of ChAT and p75(NTR), calbindin D-28k (CB), parvalbumin, calretinin, neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), tyrosine hydroxylase, or substance P was used to elucidate the neuroanatomical borders of cholinergic nuclei and to analyze the neurochemical complexity of cholinergic cell populations. Cholinergic projection neurons with heterogeneous densities were found in the medial septum, vertical and horizontal diagonal bands of Broca, ventral pallidum, and magnocellular nucleus basalis (MBN)/substantia innominata (SI) complex; cholinergic interneurons were observed in the caudate nucleus, putamen, accumbens nucleus, and olfactory tubercule, whereas the globus pallidus was devoid of cholinergic nerve cells. Cholinergic interneurons were frequently present in the hippocampus and to a lesser extent in cerebral cortex. Cholinergic projection neurons, except those localized in SI, abundantly expressed p75(NTR), and a subset of cholinergic neurons in posterior MBN was immunoreactive for CB and nNOS. A strict laminar distribution pattern of cholinergic terminals was recorded both in the cerebral cortex and in CA1-CA3 and dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. In summary, the structural organization and chemoarchitecture of rabbit basal forebrain may be considered as a transition between that of rodents and that of primates.

Parvalbumin, calbindin, or calretinin in cortically projecting and GABAergic, cholinergic, or glutamatergic basal forebrain neurons of the rat

The basal forebrain (BF) plays an important role in modulating cortical activity and facilitating processes of attention, learning, and memory. This role is subserved by cholinergic neurons but also requires the participation of other noncholinergic neurons. Noncholinergic neurons include gamma-amino butyric acidergic (GABAergic) neurons, some of which project in parallel with the cholinergic cells to the cerebral cortex, others of which project caudally or locally. With the original aim of distinguishing different subgroups of GABAergic neurons, we examined immunostaining for the calcium binding proteins (CBPs) parvalbumin (Parv), calbindin (Calb), and calretinin (Calret) in the rat. Although the CBP(+) cell groups were distributed in a coextensive manner with the GABAergic cells, they were collectively more numerous. Of cells retrogradely labeled with cholera toxin (CT) from the prefrontal or parietal cortex, Parv(+) and Calb(+) cells, but not Calret(+) cells, represented substantial proportions ( approximately 35-45% each) that collectively were greater than that of GABAergic projection neurons. From dual immunostaining for the CBPs and glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), it appeared that the vast majority (>90%) of the Parv(+) group was GAD(+), whereas only a small minority (<10%) of the Calb(+) or Calret(+) group was GAD(+). Significant proportions of Calb(+) (>40%) and Calret(+) (>80%) neurons were immunopositive for phosphate-activated glutaminase, the synthetic enzyme for transmitter glutamate. The results suggested that, whereas Calret(+) cells predominantly comprise caudally or locally projecting, possibly glutamatergic BF neurons, Parv(+) cells likely comprise the cortically projecting GABAergic BF neurons and Calb(+) cells the cortically projecting, possibly glutamatergic BF neurons that would collectively participate with the cholinergic cells in the modulation of cortical activity.

Functional recovery of cholinergic basal forebrain neurons under disease conditions: old problems, new solutions?

Recognition of the involvement of cholinergic neurons in the modulation of cognitive functions and their severe dysfunction in neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, initiated immense research efforts aimed at unveiling the anatomical organization and cellular characteristics of the basal forebrain (BFB) cholinergic system. Concomitant with our unfolding knowledge about the structural and functional complexity of the BFB cholinergic projection system, multiple pharmacological strategies were introduced to rescue cholinergic nerve cells from noxious attacks; however, a therapeutic breakthrough is still awaited. In this review, we collected recent findings that significantly contributed to our better understanding of cholinergic functions under disease conditions, and to the design of effective means to restore lost or damaged cholinergic functions. To this end, we first provide a brief survey of the neuroanatomical organization of BFB nuclei with emphasis on major evolutionary differences among mammalian species, in particular rodents and primates, and discuss limitations of the translation of experimental data to human therapeutic applications. Subsequently, we summarize the involvement of cholinergic dysfunction in the pathogenesis of severe neurological conditions, including stroke, traumatic brain injury, virus encephalitis and Alzheimer's disease, and emphasize the critical role of pro-inflammatory cytokines as common mediators of cholinergic neuronal damage. Moreover, we review leading functional concepts on the limited recovery of cholinergic neurons and their impaired plastic re-modeling, as well as on the hampered interplay of the ascending cholinergic and monoaminergic projection systems under neurodegenerative conditions. In addition, recent advances in the dynamic labeling of living cholinergic neurons by fluorochromated antibodies, referred to as in vivo labeling, and novel neuroimaging approaches as potential diagnostic tools of progressive cholinergic decline are surveyed. Finally, the potential of cell replacement strategies using embryonic and adult stem cells, and multipotent neural progenitors, as a means to recover damaged cholinergic functions, is discussed.

Complementary Distribution of Calbindin D-28k and Parvalbumin in the Basal Forebrain and Midbrain of the Squirrel Monkey

The distribution of cell bodies expressing either calbindin D-28k or parvalbumin immunoreactivity in the basal forebrain and midbrain of squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus) was studied on contiguous sections incubated with monoclonal antibodies raised against calbindin or parvalbumin. In the nucleus accumbens, medium-sized calbindin-positive neurons formed two cell bridges joining the ventral part of the striatum to the olfactory tubercle, whereas medium-sized parvalbumin-positive cells in the same area were much less numerous and more uniformly distributed. The medial and dorsal septal nuclei contained a small number of elongated calbindin-positive neurons and only a few parvalbumin-immunoreactive cells. In the nucleus of the diagonal band of Broca, calbindin and parvalbumin were found to label two distinct but closely intermingled neuronal populations. In the striatum, medium-sized calbindin-immunoreactive cells occurred in very large numbers and appeared to be confined to the extrastriosomal matrix. Medium-sized, parvalbumin-immunoreactive neurons were also present in the striatum but they were less numerous than the calbindin-positive cells. The calbindin-positive neurons in the dorsal portion of the striatum were less intensely stained than those in the ventral portion, whereas this pattern did not occur for neurons expressing parvalbumin immunoreactivity. At the pallidal level, neurons in both segments were devoid of calbindin but displayed a very strong parvalbumin immunoreactivity. Most of the large neurons of the nucleus basalis of Meynert were strongly calbindin-immunoreactive and many of them invaded dorsally the medullary laminae of the pallidal complex. The neurons of the subthalamic nucleus were markedly enriched with parvalbumin but displayed only light calbindin staining. In the substantia nigra/ventral tegmental area complex, calbindin-immunoreactive cells abounded in the ventral tegmental area and in the dorsal tier of the pars compacta of the substantia nigra, but were absent in the ventral tier of the pars compacta and in the entire pars reticulata of the substantia nigra. In contrast, numerous parvalbumin-immunoreactive neurons occurred in the pars reticulata and pars lateralis, but none were found in the pars compacta and ventral tegmental area. These findings reveal that the patterns of calbindin and parvalbumin distribution in primate basal forebrain and midbrain are strikingly complementary, suggesting a synergistic role for these calcium-binding proteins in basal forebrain and midbrain function.

Multiple output pathways of the basal forebrain: organization, chemical heterogeneity, and roles in vigilance

Studies over the last decade have shown that the basal forebrain (BF) consists of more than its cholinergic neurons. The BF also contains non-cholinergic neurons, including gamma-aminobutyric acid-ergic neurons which co-distribute and co-project with the cholinergic neurons. Both types of neuron project, in variable proportions, to the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, thalamus, amygdala, and olfactory bulb, whereas descending projections to the posterior hypothalamus and brainstem nuclei are predominantly non-cholinergic. Some of the cholinergic and non-cholinergic projection neurons contain neuropeptides such as galanin, nitric oxide synthase, and possibly glutamate. To understand better the function of the BF, the organization of the multiple ascending and descending projections of BF neurons is reviewed along with their neurochemical heterogeneity, and possible functions of individual pathways are discussed. It is proposed that BF neurons belong to multiple systems with distinct cognitive, motivational, emotional, motor, and regulatory functions, and that through these pathways, the BF plays a role in controlling both cognitive and non-cognitive aspects of vigilance.

Cyto- and chemoarchitecture of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)

The cyto- and chemoarchitecture of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCN) was investigated in the lower primate, the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus). A large population of magnocellular, hyperchromic, and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)-positive neurons was detected in the marmoset basal forebrain. The distribution of these neurons was similar to those in higher primates. Thus, ChAT-positive neurons were observed in the medial septum (Ch2), the vertical (Ch2) and horizontal (Ch3) limbs of the diagonal band of Broca, and the nucleus basalis of Meynert (Ch4). The Ch4 complex was relatively well differentiated and displayed distinct sectors. We detected anterior (Ch4a, with a medial and a lateral subdivision), intermediate (Ch4i, with a dorsal and a ventral subdivision), and posterior (Ch4p) sectors in the marmoset Ch4. The Ch4i was relatively small while the Ch4p was large. Similar to the rodent, the marmoset Ch1 extended quite a distance posteriorly, and the Ch4p displayed a major interstitial component distributed within the globus pallidus, its medullary laminae, and the internal capsule. Virtually all of the marmoset BFCN displayed acetylcholinesterase activity, and low affinity (p75(NTR)) and high affinity (Trk) neurotrophin receptor immunoreactivity. A majority contained immunoreactivity for calbindin-D(28K) and calretinin. Many of the Ch4 neurons also displayed tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity. The BFCN lacked galanin immunoreactivity, but were innervated by galanin-positive fibers. None of the marmoset BFCN were NADPH-d-positive. Thus, the BFCN display major anatomical and biochemical differences in the marmoset when compared with higher primates. The marmoset BFCN also display many characteristics common to other primates. This fact, combined with the relatively short life span of the marmoset, indicates that this species may be ideal for studies of age-related changes in the BFCN.

Two distinct populations of cholinergic neurons in the septum of raccoon (Procyon lotor): evidence for a separate subset in the lateral septum

The present study focused on cholinergic neurons in the lateral septal region of the raccoon detected by choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)-immunostaining. For comparison of the cholinergic neurons of the medial and lateral septal nuclei, soma sizes were measured, and several antibodies were applied that differentially characterize these cells in several species: low-affinity neurotrophin receptor p75 (p75(NTR)), calbindin-D(28k) (CALB), and constitutive nitric oxide synthase (cNOS). To compare the basic organization of the raccoon septum with that in other mammals, parvalbumin (PARV) immunocytochemistry and Wisteria floribunda-agglutinin (WFA) lectin histochemistry also were used in double-staining experiments. The ChAT-immunoreactive neurons of the rostral lateral septum are arranged in laminae. Accumulations of cholinergic varicosities, often clearly ensheathing noncholinergic neurons, occupy small territories of the rostral septum. Such regions become larger in the caudal septum. They are assumed to correspond to the septohippocampal and septofimbrial nuclei of the rat. In contrast to the large medial septal cholinergic neurons of the raccoon that contain p75(NTR), CALB, and cNOS, the cholinergic neurons of the lateral septum are smaller and do not express these markers. A further peculiarity is that the region of the lateral septum that contains cholinergic neurons corresponds to WFA-labelled extracellular matrix zones that contain chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans. In addition to clustered thread- or ring-like accumulations of the WFA, sparsely labelled perineuronal nets surround the lateral septal cholinergic neurons. Similar to other species that have been investigated, perineuronal nets are completely absent around cholinergic cells of the medial septum. The PARV-containing neurons of this region, however, are enwrapped by perineuronal nets as they are in the rat. Within the medial septum, the PARV-containing neurons are restricted to ventral bilateral territories that are devoid of cholinergic cells. In this respect, they differ from the more vertically arranged PARV-containing medial septal cells in rodents and primates. Apart from striking differences in numbers and distribution patterns, the raccoon lateral septal cholinergic neurons resemble those detected by Kimura et al. (Brain Res [1990] 533:165-170) in the ventrolateral septal region of rat and monkey. Their participation in the functions of the lateral septum remains to be elucidated.

Clinical and neuropathological abnormalities in baboons treated with HPTP, the tetrahydropyridine analog of haloperidol

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is relatively common among psychiatric patients on maintenance therapy with typical neuroleptics and persists in more than 20% even after withdrawal of the medication. Such persistence suggests an underlying pathology due to neurotoxicity. We present evidence for such a neurotoxic mechanism in a baboon model of TD. Four baboons were treated chronically with the dehydration product of haloperidol, 4-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-oxobutyl]-1,2,3,6- tetrahydropyridine (HPTP), which is metabolized, similarly to haloperidol, to two neurotoxic pyridinium species. The animals developed orofacial dyskinesia which persisted after HPTP was ceased. Serial sections of the entire brain from the four treated animals and four vehicle-treated controls revealed volume loss in the basal forebrain and hypothalamus. Histological evaluation demonstrated a reduction in the density of magnocellular neurons in the anterior region of the nucleus basalis of Meynert (NbM). We speculate that the loss of these NbM neurons may be associated with the persistent orofacial dyskinesia observed in the HPTP-treated animals. These findings may contribute to a better understanding of neuroleptic-induced TD.

Calbindin immunoreactivity in the hippocampal formation and neocortex of schizophrenics

1. The authors studied the morphology of CalbindinD28K (CaBp) immunoreactive cells and processes in the hippocampal formation and the prefrontal cortex of schizophrenics using the immunohistochemical technique of avidin-biotin-complex method (ABC method), and the results were compared with those from normal human brains. 2. In the hippocampal formation area CA2 of schizophrenics, many CaBp-immunopositive cell bodies and fibers were disordered in their arrangement compared to normal control brains. 3. In the prefrontal cortex (Brodmann area 9) of schizophrenics, many immunopositive cell bodies were exhibited irregular axis arrangement and fiber disarray. 4. The altered distribution pattern of CaBp-immunopositive structures in the hippocampal formation and the prefrontal cortex might indicate the existence of GABA(gamma-aminobutyric acid)ergic dysfunction in the brain of schizophrenic patients.

Co-expression of p75NTR- and calbindin-immunoreactivity in cholinergic neurons of the raccoon basal forebrain

The cholinergic system of the basal forebrain is involved in the modulation of sensory information. This has previously been investigated in the raccoon, an animal especially interesting because of its highly developed somatosensory cortex. The present study focused on the co-expression of the low-affinity neurotrophin receptor p75NTR and calbindin in cholinergic neurons of the raccoon basal forebrain and neostriatum. Carbocyanine immunofluorescence double labelling revealed the co-localization of choline acetyltransferase and p75NTR as well as calbindin in a large portion of basal forebrain neurons, but not in the neostriatum. In contrast, immunolabelling of two other calcium-binding proteins, parvalbumin and calretinin, was found exclusively in non-cholinergic neurons.

Differential expression of calretinin, calbindin D28K and parvalbumin in the developing human cerebellum

Three calcium-binding proteins, calretinin, calbindin D28K and parvalbumin, were immunohistochemically localized in the human cerebellum at different developmental stages. Cells positive for calretinin were not detected during early development of the cerebellum until 21 weeks of gestation at which stage weak staining was found in Purkinje and basket cells of the cortex and in neurons of the dentate nucleus. Both the number of positive cells and the intensity of immunoreactivities were found to increase as the cerebellum became more mature. Calbindin D28K immunoreactivity was, however, detected early in development at 14 weeks of gestation. Positive cells were found in Purkinje, basket, stellate and granule cells of the cerebellar cortex and in neurons of fastigial, globose, emboliform and dentate nuclei. The number of positive cells and the staining intensity for calbindin in both the cerebellar cortex and deep nuclei decreased at more advanced developmental stages. At 21-31 weeks of gestation, positive staining was restricted to Purkinje and basket cells of the cortex. Parvalbumin immunoreactivity was also observed early in development at 14 weeks of gestation. Positivity was found in Purkinje, basket and stellate cells of the cerebellar cortex and in neurons of all the deep nuclei, with the highest number of positive cells in the fastigial nucleus followed by emboliform, globose and dentate nuclei. As the cerebellum became more mature, both the number of positive cells and the staining intensity for parvalbumin decreased in the cortex and deep nuclei. The results of the present study showed that among the three calcium-binding proteins examined, strong immunoreactivities for calbindin D28K and parvalbumin were found inthe human cerebellum early in development at 14 weeks of gestation, but there was a decrease in both the intensity and number of positive cells at more advanced stages. In contrast, calretinin positive cells were not detected until 21 weeks of gestation and the immunoreactivity increased as the cerebellum became more mature. A possible correlation between the developmentally regulated expression of the calcium-binding proteins and expression of different neurotransmitters during development is discussed.

Triple immunofluorescence labelling of parvalbumin, calbindin-D28k and calretinin in rat and monkey brain

This study presents novel techniques for the concomitant cytochemical detection of the calcium-binding proteins parvalbumin, calbindin-D28k and calretinin which are frequently used neuronal markers. For the triple immunofluorescence labelling of such antigens in rat and monkey brain--with emphasis on the cortex--we developed four different protocols which revealed obviously identical distribution patterns in consecutive sections. These methods included the simultaneous use of purified monoclonal antibodies directed against parvalbumin and calbindin--D28k--haptenized with biotin or digoxigenin--and subsequent visualization with fluorochromated hapten-recognizing immunoreagents. For the combined visualization of the calcium-binding proteins we applied the bright red fluorescent carbocyanine Cy3, blue fluorescent 7-amino-4-methylcoumarin-3-acetic acid (AMCA) and as green fluorophore either fluorescein or the newly introduced carbocyanine Cy2. The latter showed a higher fluorescence intensity and more resistance against photobleaching than fluorescein. In addition to clearly distinguished distribution patterns of the calcium-binding proteins, neurons co-expressing parvalbumin and calbindin-D28k in the parietal and piriform cortex of rat were demonstrated. The elaborated methods might stimulate the further detailed investigation of spatial and functional relationships between structures immunopositive for selected neuroanatomical markers.

Neurochemical development of the hippocampal region in the fetal rhesus monkey, III: calbindin-D28K, calretinin and parvalbumin with special mention of cajal-retzius cells and the retrosplenial cortex

In spite of continuing controversy on the precise function of the calcium-binding proteins expressed in the hippocampal formation, nothing is known about their prenatal development in primates. In this study, calbindin-D28K, calretinin, and parvalbumin were localized in the hippocampal formation of seven rhesus monkey fetuses aged E47 to E90 (term 165 days). All of the three markers were expressed during the first half of gestation in distinct subsets of nonpyramidal neurons: calretinin-containing cells were the most numerous and relatively differentiated contrasting with a more restricted, less mature, parvalbumin-labeled population and a poor calbindin-positive nonpyramidal contingent. The granule cells and pyramidal neurons were calbindin-positive, including the pyramids of CA3 and the subicular complex, in contrast to the situation found in the adult monkey. The presubiculum and retrosplenial cortex, whose merging formed the caudal pole of the hippocampal formation, also expressed precociously the three calcium-binding proteins. A heterogeneous population of Cajal-Retzius-like cells was demonstrated in the marginal zone of the ventral hippocampal formation. The majority co-expressed calbindin-D28K and calretinin and displayed acetylcholinesterase activity but no GABA-like immunoreactivity. Major intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of the hippocampal system (mossy fiber system, alveus, fimbria, angular, and cingular bundles) were immunoreactive for calretinin and/or calbindin. The distinct developmental time course and regional pattern of distribution of calbindin-D28K, calretinin, and parvalbumin in the nonprincipal neurons suggests a precocious but asynchronous prenatal development of different inhibitory circuits in the hippocampal formation of primates. The labeling of several fiber systems in keeping with comparable early events in the entorhinal cortex (Berger et al.: Hippocampus 3:279-305, 1993), suggests the possibility of earlier functional circuits than hitherto inferred from the observations available in rodents, a hypothesis that deserves further investigation.

Cholinergic neurons contain Calbindin-D28k in the monkey medial septal nucleus and nucleus of the diagonal band: an immunocytochemical study

The distribution patterns of choline acetyltransferase (CAT), as a marker for cholinergic neurons, and Calbindin-D28k (CaBP) immunoreactivities in the forebrain basal ganglia of the Japanese monkey Macaca fuscata were compared. Similar distribution patterns of CAT and CaBP immunoreactivities were found in the medial septal nucleus (MS) and the nucleus of the diagonal band of Broca (DBB). Double-labeling fluorescence immunocytochemistry revealed that most, but not all, cholinergic neurons were CaBP-immunoreactive in the MS and DBB. The results suggest that CaBP may play a role in the septohippocampal cholinergic neuron system of the monkey.

Distribution and colocalization of choline acetyltransferase immunoreactivity and NADPH diaphorase reactivity in neurons within the medial septum and diagonal band of Broca in the rat basal forebrain

NADPH diaphorase histochemistry and choline acetyltransferase immunocytochemistry were used to assess quantitatively the presence of nitric oxide synthase in the cholinergic neurons of the magnocellular basal forebrain complex. Virtually all (97%) NADPH diaphorase reactive magnocellular neurons in the medial septum and the vertical and horizontal limbs of the diagonal band of Broca were choline acetyltransferase immunoreactive, whereas only a proportion of the choline acetyltransferase immunoreactive neurons were NADPH diaphorase reactive. Thus NADPH diaphorase histochemistry identified a subpopulation of the magnocellular cholinergic neurons. Occasionally, NADPH diaphorase reactive neurons were observed within the medial septum and diagonal band of Broca that were not choline acetyltransferase immunoreactive, and in general were morphologically distinct from the magnocellular neurons; such neurons are probably representatives within the medial septum and diagonal band of more widely distributed phenotypically distinct populations of NADPH diaphorase reactive neurons. The proportions of the neurons in which choline acetyltransferase and NADPH diaphorase colocalized in the medial septum and in the diagonal bands of Broca were similar in any one coronal section, but there was a considerable difference in the proportions throughout the rostrocaudal extent of these nuclei. In the most rostral sections of the medial septum and diagonal band, approximately 70% of the choline acetyltransferase immunoreactive neurons were NADPH diaphorase reactive, whereas the proportion decreased progressively to about 30% at the level of the decussation of the anterior commissure. To examine further the extent of colocalization throughout the magnocellular basal forebrain complex, sections of the magnocellular preoptic nucleus, substantia innominata, and nucleus basalis magnocellularis were examined. While there was little total colocalization of choline acetyltransferase immunoreactivity and NADPH diaphorase reactivity in any particular section (approximately 18%), almost all of the double labelled neurons were in the substantia innominata, with very few in the other nuclei. Thus although there is a caudal to rostral gradient of the proportion of magnocellular cholinergic neurons that are NADPH diaphorase reactive throughout the entire basal forebrain magnocellular complex, subregions, such as the substantia innominata and magnocellular preoptic nucleus, may not follow this trend. The recent demonstration that the NADPH diaphorase histochemical reaction localizes a nitric oxide synthase suggests that attention should be given to the NADPH diaphorase subpopulation in pathological and experimentally induced alterations of the basal forebrain.

Differential incorporation of processes derived from different classes of neurons into senile plaques in Alzheimer's disease

The incorporation of neurites into amyloid deposits is an important step in the formation of senile plaques in Alzheimer's disease. It is unknown whether all neuronal types contribute neurites equally to plaques, or whether the processes of certain types are preferentially incorporated. We addressed this question by comparing the incorporation into neocortical plaques of neurites containing the widely distributed neuronal markers chromogranin A (CgA), parvalbumin (PV) and calbindin D-28K (CaBP) in relation to the number of neuronal perikarya expressing each of these substances in the neocortex. We found a consistent, statistically significant ranking, so that CgA-immunoreactive (ir) neurites were preferentially incorporated into plaques in comparison with PV-ir, and PV-ir were favoured over CaBP-ir neurites.

Distribution of calbindin-D28k immunoreactivity in the monkey temporal lobe: the amygdaloid complex

Calbindin-D28k is a calcium-binding protein located in a variety of neuronal cell types in many regions of the central nervous system. In the present study, we describe the distribution of calbindin-D28k-immunoreactive cells, fibers, and terminals in the monkey amygdaloid complex. Calbindin-D28k-immunoreactive neurons could be divided into four major cell types. Neurons of the first three cell types demonstrated clearly stained dendrites that were either aspiny or had a few spines on their distal portions. Type 1 cells were small, stellate, or multipolar and found throughout the amygdala. Type 2 cells were large, multipolar and were most commonly found in the deep nuclei, particularly in the lateral nucleus, intermediate division of the basal nucleus, accessory basal nucleus and in the periamygdaloid cortex. Type 3 cells were fusiform, of various sizes, and were found throughout the amygdala. Type 4 cells were quite large and lightly stained; the dendrites of these cells were usually unstained. The size, shape, and location of Type 4 labeled cell bodies suggested that they might be the large, modified pyramidal cells that constitute the projection neurons of the amygdala. Type 4 cells were observed primarily in the lateral, basal, and accessory basal nuclei and in the periamygdaloid cortex. Calbindin-D28k-immunoreactive fibers and terminals were difficult to observe in the amygdala partly because of a diffuse, finely granular neuropil labeling that was particularly dense in the anterior cortical and medial nuclei, in the central nucleus, and in the periamygdaloid cortex. The neuropil labeling was substantially lighter in the lateral, basal, and accessory basal nuclei. Conspicuous linear profiles resembling the "calbindin bundles" of the neocortex were evident in large numbers in the accessory basal nucleus, the medial portion of the parvicellular division of the basal nucleus, in the amygdalohippocampal area, and in the periamygdaloid cortex. There were calbindin-D28k-positive fibers in the stria terminalis and in the ventral amygdalofugal pathway. When the distributions of calbindin-D28k and parvalbumin immunoreactivity in the monkey amygdaloid complex were compared, it appeared that the overall distribution of these two calcium-binding proteins was generally complementary rather than overlapping.

Differential localization of NADPH-diaphorase and calbindin-D28k within the cholinergic neurons of the basal forebrain, striatum and brainstem in the rat, monkey, baboon and human

The localization of Calbindin-D28k and NADPH-diaphorase in the cholinergic neurons of the basal forebrain, striatum and brainstem was investigated in the rat, monkey, baboon and human using calbindin and choline acetyltransferase immunohistochemistry and NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry. Considerable regional and species-specific variations were observed. Double-stained sections demonstrated that NADPH-diaphorase activity occurred in as much as 20-30% of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons in the rat but in virtually none of those neurons in the monkey, baboon or human. In all of the species studied, virtually every cholinergic neuron within the pedunculopontine and laterodorsal tegmental nuclei contained NADPH-diaphorase activity, while none of the cholinergic neurons of the striatum did so. In the rat brain, calbindin immunoreactivity was not present in any of the cholinergic neurons of the basal forebrain, while in the primate brain virtually all of the basal forebrain cholinergic neurons were also calbindin-positive. None of the cholinergic neurons of the striatum, pedunculopontine nucleus or laterodorsal tegmental nucleus were found to be calbindin-positive in any of the species examined. These results demonstrate major species-specific differences in the cytochemical signatures of the basal forebrain cholinergic neurons, in contrast to the cholinergic neurons of the striatum and brainstem, which displayed little interspecies variation with respect to the markers that were used in this study. Our findings also suggest that caution must be exercised in using results from studies of rodent basal forebrain cholinergic systems to infer the role of this system in the primate brain.

Calbindin D-28k and choline acetyltransferase are expressed by different neuronal populations in pedunculopontine nucleus but not in nucleus basalis in squirrel monkeys

Single- and double-immunostaining procedures were used to study the distribution of the acetylcholine synthesizing enzyme choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and the calcium binding protein calbindin D-28k in the nucleus basalis of Meynert (nbM) and in the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) of the squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus). As expected from previous studies in other primates, including humans, the nbM in the squirrel monkey is enriched with large ChAT-immunoreactive neurons that form clusters in the substantia innominata. Some ChAT-positive neurons are also scattered more dorsally within the internal and external medullary laminae of the pallidal complex. A smaller number of calbindin-immunoreactive cells occur in the same locations and their mean cross-sectional somatic area (424 microns 2) is not significantly different from that of the ChAT-immunoreactive cells (450 microns 2). Furthermore, 60% of the ChAT-immunopositive cells in the nbM display calbindin immunoreactivity. Most of these double-immunoreactive neurons occur in the typical clusters of the nbM, whereas the large neurons scattered in between the clusters display ChAT immunoreactivity only. In the PPN, ChAT-positive neurons are scattered around and partly within the superior cerebellar peduncle and also form a dense cluster in the lateral portion of the mesopontine tegmentum. Calbindin-immunoreactive cells also abound around the superior cerebellar peduncle, but they are more sparsely distributed and cover a larger sector of the tegmentum than the ChAT-positive neurons. These calbindin-immunoreactive cells are significantly smaller (200 microns 2) than the ChAT-immunoreactive cells (471 microns 2) and no double-immunostained neurons are present in the PPN.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Calcium-binding proteins in the nervous system

Among the many calcium-binding proteins in the nervous system, parvalbumin, calbindin-D28K and calretinin are particularly striking in their abundance and in the specificity of their distribution. They can be found in different subsets of neurons in many brain regions. Although it is not yet known whether they play a 'triggering' role like calmodulin, or merely act as buffers to modulate cytosolic calcium transients, they are valuable markers of neuronal subpopulations for anatomical and developmental studies.