Co-expression of calretinin and γ-aminobutyric acid in neurons of the entorhinal cortex of the common marmoset monkey

Helen H.J. Pothuizen, Joram Feldon*, Ana L. Jongen-Rêlo

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

The γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-containing interneuron population in the entorhinal cortex has been shown to consist of several subpopulations. In addition to GABA, these neurons contain another neurochemical substance, such as a neuropeptide or a calcium binding protein. In the present study, we examined the co-localization of calretinin and GABA in the entorhinal cortex of the common marmoset Callithrix jacchus, a New World monkey. Although the function of calretinin remains unclear, there are indications that it might have a protective role against cell death in a number of neuropathological diseases. Furthermore, it might have a regulatory role in the neurotransmission of GABAergic neurons. In contrast to the rat brain, sparse data exist regarding the degree of co-expression of these two markers in the monkey brain. Using immunofluorescence and confocal laser scanning microscopy, we found that an average of 56% of the calretinin-positive neurons in the monkey entorhinal cortex contained GABA, whereas about 27% of the GABA-positive neurons co-expressed calretinin. Interestingly, these numbers were higher in the superficial layers of the entorhinal cortex in comparison with the deep layers. However, no differences were found in co-localization percentages between the different entorhinal subfields. In general, the degree of co-localization was higher in comparison to findings in the rat entorhinal cortex. The higher amount of co-localization observed in the present study might reflect species differences between the primate and the non-primate brain.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)615-627
Number of pages13
JournalHippocampus
Volume14
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 2004
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Calcium binding proteins
  • Co-localization
  • Confocal laser scanning microscopy
  • GABA
  • Hippocampal formation

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Co-expression of calretinin and γ-aminobutyric acid in neurons of the entorhinal cortex of the common marmoset monkey'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this