Related Experiment Videos
Gap junction protein in rat hippocampus: correlative light and electron microscope immunohistochemical localization
S Shiosaka1, T Yamamoto, E L Hertzberg
1Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
The Journal of Comparative Neurology
|March 8, 1989
Summary
This study reveals the location of gap-junctional protein (GJP) in rat hippocampus neurons and astrocytes. GJP is found in typical gap junctions and novel gap-junction-like structures, suggesting new neural communication pathways.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Gap junctions facilitate intercellular communication in the central nervous system.
- The precise localization and function of gap-junctional protein (GJP) in the hippocampus remain incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To ultrastructurally localize GJP in the rat hippocampus using immunohistochemical techniques.
- To investigate the presence of GJP in different hippocampal cell types and neuronal processes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an affinity-purified antibody against rat liver 27-kD GJP.
- Employed light microscopy and electron microscopy (EM) for ultrastructural analysis.
- Examined GJP immunoreactivity in neuronal somata, glial cells, and neuronal processes.
Main Results:
- GJP immunoreactivity was observed in nonpyramidal neurons, astrocytes, dendrites, axons, and axonal terminals.
- Typical gap junctions were identified between dendrites and glial cells.
- Novel gap-junction-like (gj-L) structures were found between various neuronal elements.
Conclusions:
- Confirms the existence of dendritic gap junctions in the rat hippocampus.
- Suggests GJP in non-junctional membrane domains may mediate novel forms of neural communication.
- Highlights the role of GJP in both established and potentially new intercellular signaling pathways in the hippocampus.