Distribution of neuropeptide Y in the developing human spinal cord

The distribution of neuropeptide Y at different levels of the spinal cord of 23 human fetuses aged from 10-41 weeks of gestation was studied using immunocytochemical staining. Neuropeptide Y-immunoreactive neurons were identified at all levels of the spinal cord examined as early as 10 weeks of gestation. These cells were localized in the superficial layers (laminae I and II of Rexed) of the dorsal gray matter. As the age of the fetuses increased, their cell number increased and the region containing positive neurons extended from the superficial to deep layers (laminae III and VI). Immunoreactive fibers started to appear in fetuses at 10 weeks of gestation. They were found not only in the gray and white matters, but also in the pia mater lining the spinal cord. As the fetuses aged, the neuropeptide Y-immunoreactive fibers became mostly concentrated in the intermediate zones of the thoracic and sacral segments corresponding to the developing autonomic centers. Our results suggest that neuropeptide Y may play a role in the early development of the autonomic system.