Differences in doublecortin immunoreactivity and protein levels in the hippocampal dentate gyrus between adult and aged dogs.
Doublecortin (DCX), a microtubule-associated protein, specifically expresses in neuronal precursors. This protein has been used as a marker for neuronal precursors and neurogenesis. In the present study, we observed differences in DCX immunoreactivity and its protein levels in the hippocampal dentate gyrus between adult and aged dogs. In the adult dog, DCX immunoreactive cells with well-stained processes were detected in the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus. Numbers of DCX immunoreactive cells in the dentate gyrus of the aged dog were significantly decreased compared to those in the adult dog. DCX immunoreactive cells in both adult and aged dog did not show NeuN (a marker for mature neurons) immunoreactivity. NeuN immunoreactivity in the aged dog was poor compared to that in the adult dog. DCX protein level in the aged dentate gyrus was decreased by 80% compared to that in the adult dog. These results suggest that the reduction of DCX in the aged hippocampal dentate gyrus may be involved in some neural deficits related to the hippocampus.
Hwang
In Koo
IK
Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine and BK21 Program for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-742, South Korea.
Yoo
Ki-Yeon
KY
Li
Hua
H
Choi
Jung Hoon
JH
Kwon
Young-Guen
YG
Ahn
Youngkeun
Y
Lee
In Se
IS
Won
Moo Ho
MH
D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D018891:Dentate Gyrus / Q000378:metabolism*; D004285:Dogs; D000089622:Doublecortin Domain Proteins; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D008869:Microtubule-Associated Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000378:metabolism*
D000089622:Doublecortin Domain Proteins; D008869:Microtubule-Associated Proteins; D009479:Neuropeptides