Distribution of neurocalcin-containing neurons reveals sexual dimorphism in the mouse olfactory bulb

Olfactory sexual dimorphism has mainly been described in the vomeronasal system, in relation to reproductive behavior, while evidence of sexual dimorphism in the main olfactory bulb (OB) remains scarce. There are no data indicating sex-related differences in the neurochemistry of intrinsic olfactory elements. Neurocalcin (NC) is a calcium-binding protein that is expressed in specific neuronal populations of the central nervous system. Here we analyzed by immunohistochemistry the NC-containing neurons in the mouse main OB, comparing both their quantities and their locations between male and female animals. NC cell density was higher in males than in females in specific locations of the glomerular layer, the external plexiform layer, the mitral cell layer, and the internal plexiform layer. This divergence in the numbers of NC cells was especially patent in central rostrocaudal levels. The NC-containing neurons exhibiting sexual divergence were identified as both juxtaglomerular and short-axon cells. This is the first description of sexual dimorphism regarding neurons belonging to the mouse main OB. According to their distribution in the OB, neurocalcin-immunoreactive interneurons could reflect a sexually dimorphic regulation of specific odorants.