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Dissecting the Non-human Primate Brain in Stereotaxic Space
Published on: July 16, 2009
The non-human primate striatum undergoes marked prolonged remodeling during postnatal development
1Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore, MD, USA ; Pathobiology Graduate Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore, MD, USA ; Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore, MD, USA.
The rhesus monkey striatum undergoes dynamic postnatal development, with significant changes in chemical neuroanatomy over the first year. This protracted maturation process highlights compartment-specific developmental programs in primate striatal development.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Primate Neuroanatomy
Background:
- The striatum, a key forebrain structure, plays a crucial role in motor control, reward, and cognition.
- Understanding its postnatal development is essential for comprehending neurological disorders and cognitive functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the temporal and spatial patterns of histological and chemical maturation of the rhesus monkey striatum after birth.
- To determine if the striatum is developmentally static or dynamic in postnatal life.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of rhesus monkey brains at various postnatal ages (1 day to 12 months) and adults.
- Histological assessment using Nissl staining for volume, cytoarchitecture, and apoptosis.
- Immunohistochemistry to localize and quantify substance P (SP), leucine-enkephalin (LENK), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and calbindin D28 (CAL) immunoreactivities.
Main Results:
- Striatal volume increased, and neuronal density decreased during maturation, with differential programmed cell death in striosomes and matrix.
- Postnatal changes in neurotransmitter marker localization were observed, including TH-positive afferent innervation of the matrix and shifts in SP and LENK levels.
- By 12 months, striatal chemoarchitecture resembled adult patterns qualitatively but differed quantitatively in LENK and SP levels.
Conclusions:
- The rhesus monkey striatum exhibits protracted postnatal maturation, requiring over 12 months to achieve adult-like chemical neuroanatomy.
- Principal neurons within striosomes and matrix display distinct developmental programs for neuropeptide expression.
- Postnatal maturation of the primate striatal mosaic is a dynamic process involving compartment-selective changes in innervation and gene expression.
