Tubulin isoforms are differently expressed in developing and mature neurons: a study on the cerebral cortex of newborn and adult rats

Tubulin heterogeneity was observed in the rat brain, where these proteins c an vary in different neurons suggesting multiple functions. In this paper, the different expression of tubulins in cerebral cortex between newborn and adult rats was analyzed by Western blot and immunocytochemical methods, us ing anti-tubulin antibodies. Our results showed that tubulins were present at higher levels in the newborn than in the adult cerebral cortex. In newbo rn rats, a marked staining of the perikarya and basal dendrites of pyramida l cells was noted. This significant expression of tubulins in the newborn c erebral cortex could be related to the major needs of tubulins in developin g neurons. The higher amount in tyrosine-tubulin and class III beta-tubulin could be consistent with the state of "dynamic instability", typical of th e microtubular network of neurons during brain development.