Localization of nestin in amygdaloid kindled rat: An immunoelectron microscopic study

Background: Nestin is a class VI intermediate filament protein, expressed during early embryonic development in mammals. Postnatally, nestin and its mRNA are down-regulated and gradually disappear. Recently, nestin expression has been detected in the adult nervous system, and it has been suggested that this protein may be related to neurogenesis, although, its role in the mechanism of neurogenesis is not known. Methods: The present study examined the localization of nestin in CNS tissue of the amygdaloid kindled rat by light and electron microscopy. Results: Kindled animals showed nestin expression mainly in the piriform cortex and the perirhinal cortex. By light microscopy, nestin was shown to be expressed in astrocytes, neurons, and endothelial cells. Electron microscopy demonstrated nestin expression in endothelial cells, astrocytic perivascular end feet, the rare pericyte, neurons and oligodendrocytes. Conclusion: We conclude that epilepsy causes widespread nestin expression in many cell types in the CNS, including non-neural cells.