Distribution of teneurin-related proteins in the central nervous system of non-human primates (Sapajus spp) and rats (Rattus norvegicus)

Author(s)

Kelly Regina Torres da Silva

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: Botucatu. 2016-06-13.
• Institution: Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp). Instituto de Biociências. Botucatu
• Defense date: 2016-06-06
• Advisor: Cláudio Aparecido Casatti

Abstract

Teneurins (TENs) represent a transmembrane protein family preserved along animal species, mainly in the central nervous system (CNS). This protein family is constituted by four homologues, named as teneurin 1 to 4 (Ten-1, Ten-2, Ten-3 and Ten-4). Previous studies pointed out presence of TENs in motor, olfactory and visual systems in chicken and rodents, especially during neurogenesis. The neuroanatomic distribution analysis of TENs in the primate brain could provide additional information on this protein system, as well as support functional data from recent studies. Therefore, the purposes of the present study were: 1) to evaluate the distribution of neurons exhibiting TENs-like immunoreactivity (TENs-LI), in particular, Ten- 2-LI, Ten-3-LI and Ten-4-LI in the CNS of non-human primates (Sapajus spp); 2) to comparatively analyze the main brain regions exhibiting Ten-3-LI between primates (Sapajus spp) and rodents (Rattus norvegicus), since Ten-3-LI showed significant distribution in the CNS of primates; 3) To correlate TENsLI neurons with latrophilins (LPHNs-1, 2 and 3), an endogenous TENs ligand, in the CNS of primates. For this purpose, coronal histological sections of the CNS of non-human primates (n=3) and rats (n=4) were submitted to immunohistochemistry techniques and analyzed under light or confocal microscopes. Neurons and nerve fibers exhibiting TENs-LI were observed in all parts of the CNS in primates. Neurons showing Ten-2-LI were present mainly in the brainstem, such as facial, oculomotor and cochlear nuclei. Neurons exhibiting Ten-4-LI were evident in the brainstem such Edinger-Westphal nucleus, oculomotor and vestibular nuclei; whereas immunoreactive nerve fibers were significant in the brainstem tracts, such as solitary and trigeminal nerve tracts. The distribution of neurons and nerve fibers exhibiting Ten-3-LI were widely distributed in the CNS and a particular immunolabeling pattern similar to a secretory neuropeptide was present in hypothalamic nuclei, especially in paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei. Ten-3-LI distribution in the rat CNS was quite similar to that in primates; however, the latter showed a more pronounced and exuberant immunolabeling . In relation to LPHNs and TENs collocalization in the CNS of primates, the main data showed LPHN-1 and Ten-3-LI colocalization in neurons from paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei as well as in the spinal cord. These data demonstrated that TENs are preserved in the CNS of non-human primates, showing immunolabeling associated with the plasmatic membrane or similar to secretory neuropeptides, suggesting that the TENs system can exert other functions besides cellular interaction among neurons. The colocalization between TENs and LPHNs in the CNS of primates reinforces the possible interaction of these proteins, as suggested in recent studies. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/08833-9 - Expression of teneurins and teneurins C-terminal associated peptides (TCAPs) in the central nervous system of non-human primates (Cebus apella)
• Grantee: Kelly Regina Torres da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate