Age specific features of nNOS immunoreactive neurons in rat neocortex

The aim of the study was to evaluate morphological features nNOS-positive (nNOS-IR) neurons in dorsolateral cortex frontal lobe cerebral hemispheres albino rats during 180 days postnatal development. Material and methods . performed on 40 outbred white Wistar different ages, from 1 days. object an area right hemisphere surface near pole (neocortex). On paraffin serial sections lobe, immunohistochemical reaction with antibodies nNOS a detection system horseradish peroxidase. Neuronal morphometry by microphotographs using ImageJ-Fiji (NIH) 1.51h program, measuring sectional neuron body, nucleus, nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio, intensity reaction. significance differences assessed paired Student's t-test. Results It found that mature nNOS-IR detected large multi-polar cells high activity enzyme located supragranular layers, spindle-shaped long positive processes at border matter (type 1), two varieties low-positive – accumulations VI layer single ones other layers 2). Polymorphism manifests birth, but it possible distinguish all subpopulations only 21st day. Each subpopulation is distinguished its own age dynamics studied parameters nature distribution positivity. In addition, 3–7 day old rat pups, numerous small have transient immunoreactivity. Conclusion Thus, division into types proposed works predecessors does not correspond number could be described region prefrontal rats. This diversity consistent functions for nitric oxide. For objective characterization various classes cortical interneurons, necessary use additional data obtained transcriptomic, histological, electrophysiological, functional experiments, taking account species, topographic, features. Only extended approach will make selectively influence reasonably interpret results experimental studies.