[Distribution of postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) and synaptophysin during neuronal maturation]

Objective To investigate the expressions of postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) and synaptophysin (SYP) in primary culture of neurons at different times. Methods The expressions of PSD95 and SYP were detected using immunofluorescence technique in primary culture of cerebral cortical neurons at 3 days in vitro (3DIV), 7DIV and 14DIV. Results PSD95 was mainly distributed in the cell body at 3DIV, in the cell body, protuberance end and branch of neurons at 7DIV, and in the cell body as well as protuberance with a stippled pattern at 14DIV. The expression of SYP was not obvious at 3DIV, and it was seen mainly in nucleus at 7DIV, and in nucleus and protuberance showing a stippled pattern at 14DIV. Conclusion PSD95 and SYP are mainly located in the soma and nucleus of neurons in the early stage of neuron maturation, and finally mostly move to the protuberance with a stippled pattern, which indicates that PSD95 and SYP may originate from the different sites, but they are closely related to the formation and maturation of synapse.