神经调节因子Neuregulin-1及其受体ErbB2、ErbB4在恒河猴大脑、小脑的表达及分布

Expression and localization of Neuregulin-1 (Nrg1) and its receptors ErbB2 and ErbB4 in the cerebral and cerebellar tissues of the rhesus monkey

目的神经调节因子(Neuregulin-1,Nrg1)是类表皮样生长因子家族重要成员,本研究观察比较恒河猴大脑皮质、白质及小脑皮、白质Nrg1及其受体ErbB2、ErbB4表达及分布。方法使用苏木精-伊红(HE)染色观察恒河猴大脑及小脑皮质、白质基本结构形态。使用免疫荧光双标法检测恒河猴大脑及小脑皮质、白质中Nrg1及其受体ErbB2和ErbB4表达与分布。结果免疫荧光显示Nrg1可与其受体ErbB2或ErbB4共定位表达于恒河猴大脑皮质部分细胞中;而在大脑白质,仅Nrg1与ErbB4存在明显定位。在小脑皮质细胞以及白质中均可见Nrg1与ErbB2明显定位,而ErbB4荧光信号则不明显,且Nrg1与ErbB4无明显共定位。结论本研究提示Nrg1及其受体ErbB2、ErbB4在恒河猴大脑小脑皮质及白质中存在着差异性表达和共定位,以Nrg1/ErbB为基础的旁分泌或自分泌机制有可能参与高等动物脑功能活动。

Objective Nduregulin-1 （Nrgl） was one of the epidermal growth factor family members. The present research focused on morphological distribution of Nrgl and its receptors ErbB2 and ErbB4 in the cerebral and cerebellar tis- sues of the rhesus monkey. Methods Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was employed to identify the basic cerebral and cerebellar structures. The morphological expression of Nrgl and ErbB2 and ErbB4 receptors as well as their potential co-localization were determined by double immunofluorescence staining in the cortex and white matter of both the cerebrum and the cerebellum. Results Nrgl was co-localized with both ErbB2 and ErbB4 receptors in a certain popu- lation of cells in the cerebral cortex, while Nrgl was partially co-localized with ErbB4 receptor only. In addition, ap- parent co-localization of Nrgl with ErbB2 was observed in both the cerebellar cortex and white matter. In contrast, ErbB4 fluorescence signal was not apparent and no obvious co-localization of Nrgl with ErbB4 was detected in both structures. Conclusion This investigation morphologically profiles the differential expression of Nrgl and its receptors in the cortex and the white matter of both the cerebrum and the cerebellum and suggests the existence of the Nrgl/ i ErbB receptors-based autocrine and paracrine signaling pathway in these brain structures of the higher animals.