S100 protein-like immunoreactivity in the crypt olfactory neurons of the adult zebrafish

The olfactory epithelium of some teleosts, including zebrafish, contains three types of olfactory sensory neurons. Because zebrafish has become an ideal model for the study of neurogenesis in the olfactory system, it is of capital importance the identification of specific markers for different neuronal populations. In this study we used immunohistochemistry to analyze the distribution of S100 protein-like in the adult zebrafish olfactory epithelium. Surprisingly, specific S100 protein-like immunostaining was detected exclusively in crypt neurons, whereas ciliated and microvillous neurons were not reactive, and the supporting glial cells as well. The pattern of immunostaining was exclusively cytoplasmic without apparent polarity within the soma, and the intensity of immunostaining was not related with the maturative stage of the neurons. The role of S100 protein in crypt olfactory neurons is unknown, although it is probably associated with the capacity of these cells to respond to chemical stimuli. In any case, it represents an excellent marker to identify crypt olfactory neurons in zebrafish.