[Rat brain cells containing ezrin (cytovillin)]

Ezrin (cytovillin or p81 protein) is an actin-binding protein, a member of ERM (ezrin, radixin and moesin) family, which species contribute to stabilization of the plasma membrane-formed structures. The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the ezrin-containing cells in the rat brain and to describe their topography and morphological features. The most pronounced immunohistochemical reaction to ezrin was found in the epithelium of the choroid plexus, cells of the subcommissural organ and ventricular ependyma. Moreover, ezrin staining was also detected in the unidentifiable cells in the subventricular zone, rostral migration pathway and astrocytes in various brain areas. Preferential ezrin localization in the brain cells contributing to formation of barrier structures suggests its involvement in transport processes in the CNS.