Coaxiality of Foxb1- and parvalbumin-expressing neurons in the lateral hypothalamic PV1-nucleus

Neurosci Lett. 2014 Apr 30:566:111-4. doi: 10.1016/j.neulet.2014.02.028. Epub 2014 Feb 24.

Abstract

In the ventrolateral hypothalamus, the PV1-nucleus is defined by its population of parvalbumin-expressing neurons. During embryogenesis, the ventrolateral hypothalamus is colonized also by Foxb1-expressing neurons. In adult Foxb1-EGFP mice, many immunofluorescent neurons were found within the region that is occupied by the PV1-nucleus. They formed a cloud around the axial cord of the parvalbumin-immunopositive cells, which they greatly outnumber (3:1). Only a small proportion of the neurons in the PV1-nucleus co-expressed both parvalbumin and Foxb1. In the light of these findings, a redesignation of this lateral hypothalamic structure as the PV1-Foxb1 nucleus would more accurately reflect its specific biochemical properties.

Keywords: Hypothalamic development; Immunohistochemistry; Medial forebrain bundle; Periaqueductal grey; Stereology.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / genetics
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / metabolism
  • Hypothalamic Area, Lateral / metabolism*
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Neurons / metabolism*
  • Parvalbumins / genetics
  • Parvalbumins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Forkhead Transcription Factors
  • Foxb1 protein, mouse
  • Parvalbumins
  • enhanced green fluorescent protein
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins