Immunocytochemical localization of zinc transporter 3 in the ependyma of the mouse spinal cord.
We report, for the first time, the light microscopical and ultrastructural appearance of ZnT3-immunoreactivities in the ependymal cells of the central canal of the mouse spinal cord. Light microscopy revealed the presence of ZnT3-immunoreactive (Ir) ependymal cells in 1 microm thick epon sections stained by the ABC method. The ZnT3-Ir cells were observed at all levels of the spinal cord, but were a little more numerous in lumbosacral segments than in cervicothoracic segments. The ZnT3-Ir cells had large, ovoid nuclei with abundant cytoplasm, and protruded into the lumen of the central canal. Our ultrastructural findings suggest that the ZnT3-Ir ependymal cells possess secretory activity directed towards the central canal. We propose that they may play a role in the trans-ependymal mechanism responsible for zinc homeostasis between cerebrospinal fluid and the central area of the gray matter.
Danscher
Gorm
G
Department of Neurobiology, Institute of Anatomy, Aarhus University, DK-8000 C, Aarhus, Denmark.
Wang
Zhanyou
Z
Kim
Yong Kuk
YK
Kim
Sung Joo
SJ
Sun
Yuanjie
Y
Jo
Seung Mook
SM
D000818:Animals; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D027682:Cation Transport Proteins; D004805:Ependyma / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000166:cytology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008297:Male; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D026901:Membrane Transport Proteins; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D013115:Spinal Canal / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000166:cytology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000737:chemistry / Q000166:cytology
D002352:Carrier Proteins; D027682:Cation Transport Proteins; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D026901:Membrane Transport Proteins; C491177:Slc30a3 protein, mouse