Expression of GAP-43 in growing efferent fibers during cochlear development.
The development of olivocochlear efferent fibers has been studied by means of the immunocytochemical detection of the growth-associated protein GAP-43. This study has been carried out in pre- and postnatal, developing, pigmented rats. Results indicate that olivocochlear efferents reach the developing auditory epithelium from embryonic day 18 on. GAP-43-like immunoreactivity persists in the organ of Corti until the beginning of the second postnatal month. The relationships between the expression of GAP-43 in olivocochlear efferent fibers and other plasticity-related phenomena are discussed.
Merchán-Pérez
A
A
Departamento de Ciencias Morfológicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, España.
Bartolomé
M V
MV
Ibáñez
M A
MA
Gil-Loyzaga
P
P
D000818:Animals; D003051:Cochlea / Q000254:growth & development / Q000294:innervation*; D005260:Female; D019922:GAP-43 Protein; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000032:analysis*; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008297:Male; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000032:analysis*; D009412:Nerve Fibers / Q000737:chemistry*; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D009476:Neurons, Efferent / Q000737:chemistry*; D009847:Olivary Nucleus / Q000254:growth & development; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains
D019922:GAP-43 Protein; D006133:Growth Substances; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins