Calbindin-D28k Immunoreactivity is a Marker for a Subdivision of the Sexually Dimorphic Nucleus of the Preoptic Area of the Rat: Developmental Profile and Gonadal Steroid Modulation

Calbindin‐D28k (calbindin) is a 28 kilodalton calcium binding protein which potentially plays a role in neuroprotection. We report here the normal development and gonadal steroid modulation of a sexually dimorphic group of calbindin immunoreactive cells within the sexually dimorphic nucleus of the p...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of neuroendocrinology 2000-05, Vol.12 (5), p.397-402
Main Authors: Sickel, M J, McCarthy, M M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aging
Animals
Animals, Newborn
Biomarkers - analysis
calbindin
Calbindin 1
Calbindins
development
Estradiol - analogs & derivatives
Estradiol - pharmacology
Female
Gonadal Steroid Hormones - pharmacology
Gonadal Steroid Hormones - physiology
Male
Nerve Tissue Proteins - analysis
Orchiectomy
Pregnancy
preoptic area
Preoptic Area - chemistry
Preoptic Area - drug effects
Preoptic Area - growth & development
Rats
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
S100 Calcium Binding Protein G - analysis
SDN
Sex Characteristics
Testosterone - pharmacology
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Summary:Calbindin‐D28k (calbindin) is a 28 kilodalton calcium binding protein which potentially plays a role in neuroprotection. We report here the normal development and gonadal steroid modulation of a sexually dimorphic group of calbindin immunoreactive cells within the sexually dimorphic nucleus of the preoptic area (SDN) which we call the calbindin‐immunoreactive SDN or CALB‐SDN. Beginning on PN2, a faintly immunoreactive CALB‐SDN is present, however, the volume is not sexually dimorphic. On PN4, the staining of the CALB‐SDN appears more robust but the volume is still not sexually dimorphic. By PN8 and extending through PN12 and PN26, the latest age analysed, the volume of the CALB‐SDN is larger in males by two‐ to fourfold. Cresyl violet counterstain reveals a similar developmental profile of the SDN as well as clusters of darkly staining calbindin immunonegative cells which lie around the CALB‐SDN. Castration of males on PN0 decreases the volume of the CALB‐SDN by PN12 and administration on the day of birth and PN1 of either testosterone propionate or oestradiol benzoate, but not dihydrotestosterone propionate to females increases the volume of the CALB‐SDN by PN12. By demonstrating the sexual dimorphism and gonadal steroid modulation of the CALB‐SDN, we hereby establish that calbindin is a specific marker of a subdivision of the SDN and can be used as such in future studies.
ISSN:0953-8194
1365-2826
DOI:10.1046/j.1365-2826.2000.00474.x