title: Calretinin-, neurocalcin-, and parvalbumin-immunoreactive elements in the olfactory bulb of the hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus).
abstract: The distribution pattern and morphology of calretinin-, neurocalcin-, and parvalbumin-immunoreactive neurons were studied in the main and accessory olfactory bulbs of the hedgehog. The detection of these markers was carried out by using monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies and the avidin-biotin-immunoperoxidase method. Specific neuronal populations were positive for these calcium-binding proteins in the hedgehog olfactory bulb, revealing both similarities to and differences from the data reported in the olfactory bulb of rodent species. The distribution pattern of each calcium-binding protein studied in the accessory olfactory bulb was highly similar to that described in other macrosmatic species. However, in the main olfactory bulb, the markers analyzed were expressed in similar interneuronal populations as they are in the rodent olfactory bulb, whereas cell groups categorized as projecting neurons demonstrated striking differences in the expression of these calcium-binding proteins. These results suggest that the expression of calcium-binding proteins in a given brain region is not a constant feature among species despite a similar organization but that different factors could influence their expression. Thus, the accessory olfactory system involved in the processing of specific and similar olfactory cues among species demonstrates a more constant organization among species. By contrast, the functionally important role of the main olfactory system in the hedgehog is accompanied by a more complex organization, which is reflected in an increased diversity of calcium-buffering systems.
authors.affiliation: Departamento Biología Celular y Patología, Universidad de Salamanca, E-37007 Salamanca, Spain.
authors.forename: J G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Briñón
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Weruaga
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Crespo
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Porteros
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Arévalo
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Aijón
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Alonso
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D064032:Calbindin 2; D002135:Calcium-Binding Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D006364:Hedgehogs / Q000378:metabolism*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D051596:Neurocalcin; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D009830:Olfactory Bulb / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D010320:Parvalbumins / Q000378:metabolism*; D044169:Receptors, Calcium-Sensing; D064030:S100 Calcium Binding Protein G / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D064032:Calbindin 2; D002135:Calcium-Binding Proteins; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D051596:Neurocalcin; D010320:Parvalbumins; D044169:Receptors, Calcium-Sensing; D064030:S100 Calcium Binding Protein G