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Substance P-like immunoreactivity in human prenatal hippocampal formation
M Del Fiacco1, A Diana, A Floris
1Department of Citomorfologia, University of Cagliari, Italy.
Summary
Substance P neurons emerge in the human fetal hippocampus by 25 weeks of gestation. These developing structures, including cell bodies and fibers, suggest early functional roles in the prenatal brain.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Neuroanatomy
Background:
- Substance P is a neuropeptide involved in various neurological functions.
- The prenatal development of the human hippocampus is crucial for cognitive functions.
- Understanding the early presence of neurochemicals aids in comprehending brain development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and location of substance P-like immunoreactive neuronal structures in the human fetal hippocampus.
- To map the developmental timeline of substance P expression during prenatal ontogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was used to detect substance P immunoreactivity.
- Human fetal brain specimens from 16-26 weeks of gestation were analyzed.
- Localization and morphology of immunoreactive structures were examined.
Main Results:
- Substance P immunoreactivity was scarce at 16-17 weeks, found only as sporadic fibers.
- By 25-26 weeks, labeled cell bodies and beaded fibers became detectable in the Ammon's horn and hilus of the fascia dentata.
- The findings indicate a significant increase in substance P expression during late prenatal development.
Conclusions:
- Substance P-containing neurons develop within the human fetal hippocampus during the second half of gestation.
- The observed developmental pattern suggests a role for substance P in the prenatal maturation of the hippocampus.
- The presence of these neurons may indicate early extrinsic projections to the Ammon's horn.