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Developmentally regulated expression of CGRP in the mouse olfactory pathway
S Denis-Donini1, B Chini, M Vitadello
1CNR Center of Cytopharmacology, Milano, Italy.
Insights
Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) expression in mouse olfactory neurons and axons during development suggests its role in olfactory bulb development. This neuropeptide and its mRNA are present from embryonic day 13 until birth.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The neuropeptide CGRP plays a role in neuronal development.
- Understanding CGRP's function in the olfactory system is crucial for comprehending olfactory bulb development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression pattern of CGRP and its mRNA in the developing mouse olfactory pathway.
- To determine the role of CGRP as a potential differentiation factor in olfactory bulb ontogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the CGRP peptide.
- In situ hybridization identified CGRP mRNA expression.
- Monoclonal antibody against neurofilament subunit NF-M identified olfactory and trigeminal axons.
Main Results:
- CGRP transcripts were first detected at embryonic day 13 (E13), followed by the peptide at E15.
- Both CGRP peptide and mRNA were present until birth, with down-regulated expression postnatally.
- CGRP was observed in specific olfactory receptor neurons after birth.
Conclusions:
- CGRP is expressed in olfactory neurons and their axons during development.
- These findings support CGRP's role as a differentiation factor in olfactory bulb ontogenesis.
Abstract:
The pattern of expression of the neuropeptide CGRP and its encoding mRNA has been determined by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization in the mouse olfactory pathway during development. Specific CGRP transcripts are first detected at E13 followed by the appearance of the peptide at E15. Both peptide and transcript are present until birth; their expression then appears to be down-regulated since postnatally the peptide is only observed in some olfactory receptor neurons. A monoclonal antibody that specifically recognizes the neurofilament subunit NF-M has been used in order to identify olfactory and trigeminal axons. Our results demonstrate that CGRP is expressed in olfactory neurons and their axons during development, thus supporting further its role as a differentiation factor during olfactory bulb ontogenesis.