Ret, GFRalpha‐1, GFRalpha‐2 and GFRalpha‐3 receptors in the human hippocampus and fascia dentata

Abstract

The immunohistochemical occurrence and localization of the receptor components of the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family ligands, the Ret receptor tyrosine kinase and GDNF family receptor (GFR) alpha-1 to -3, is described in the human post-mortem hippocampal formation at pre- and full-term newborn, and adult age. Two different antibodies for each of the four-receptor molecules were used. Western blot analysis indicates that the availability of GFRalpha receptor proteins may vary with age and post-mortem delay. The immunohistochemical detectability of GFRalpha-1, GFRalpha-2, GFRalpha-3 and Ret receptor molecules is shown in the rat up to 72 h post-mortem. In the human specimens, labelled neuronal perikarya were detectable for each receptor protein at all examined ages, with prevalent localization in the pyramidal layer of the Ammon's horn and hilus and granular layer of the fascia dentata. In the adult subjects, abundant punctate-like structures were also present. Labelled glial elements were identifiable. Comparison of the pattern of immunoreactive elements among young and adult subjects suggests that the intracellular distribution of the GDNF family ligands may vary between pre- and perinatal life and adult age. The results obtained suggest the involvement of the Ret and GFRalpha receptors signalling in processes subserving both the organization of this cortical region during development and the functional activity and maintenance of the mature hippocampal neurons.

GDNF Selectively Induces Microglial Activation and Neuronal Survival in CA1/CA3 Hippocampal Regions Exposed to NMDA Insult through Ret/ERK Signalling

“…In line with our results, in situ hybridization and immunohystochemical experiments demonstrated that both Ret mRNA and protein are much more abundant in CA2 and CA3 pyramidal sector of rat postnatal [24], and adult human brain [29]. Despite the GDNF-dependent activation of Ret was not addressed by these studies, they suggest the involvement of Ret and GFRα receptors signalling in processes fundamental for both the functional activity and maintenance of the mature hippocampal neurons and the organization of this cortical region during development.…”

Glial-derived neurotrophic factor promotes ovarian primordial follicle development and cell–cell interactions during folliculogenesis

“…Additional studies are needed to confirm the localization of GFRa1 to subpopulations of granulosa and theca cells. Western blot analysis was used to verify the specificity of the GFRa1 antibody (data not shown), which confirms observations from previous studies (Wang et al 2004, Serra et al 2005. Localization of GDNF and GFRa1 in primordial and primary follicles was the same in both cultured neonatal ovaries and adult uncultured ovaries.…”

Unique Hard Scleral Lens Post-LASIK Ectasia Fitting

“…Further studies are needed to characterize the differences in neurochemistry and gene expression that might potentially underlie the differential vulnerability of the CA1-prox and the CA1-dist. The differences that have been uncovered to date include the finding that certain glial cell line–derived neurotrophic factor family ligands and receptors are preferentially expressed in the CA1-prox compared with the CA1-dist (20, 21). …”