Expression of a kinase anchoring protein 79 in the human fetal amygdala

The expression of AKAP (a kinase anchoring protein) 79 enriched in postsyna ptic densities has been investigated in the human amygdaloid nuclei of the 8th gestational month. Nuclear specific diffuse and cellular immunostaining is observed. An outstanding feature of cellular immunostaining is the labe lling of somata and dendritic trees in a manner that allows neuronal classi fication. Bipolar, multipolar, and pyramidal AKAP79-positive neurons are fo und throughout the amygdala; the highest packing density of immunostained n eurons is seen within the central and lateral nucleus. Dense diffuse immuno labelling is observed in the lateral and accessory basal nucleus. The resul ts indicate that AKAP79 is expressed in various neuronal types (projection as well as local circuit neurons). Diffuse staining does not always match w ith cellular labelling within a nucleus, thus, AKAP79 may be particularly e nriched in dendrites in some nuclei. The widespread distribution of AKAP79 indicates its possible role in various amygdaloid circuitries; thus, AKAP79 does not seem to be restricted to definite functional systems in the 8th m onth, Microsc. Res. Tech. 46:48-52, 1999. (C) 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.