Distribution of SNAP-25 in transient neuronal circuitries of the developing human forebrain

The distribution of SNAP-25 is demonstrated within prominent transient stru ctures in the developing human forebrain. During early fetal development SN AP-25 is mainly expressed in axons of the intermediate zone and the interna l capsule. The fibers appear directed towards the mantle zone of the gangli onic eminence and the perireticular nucleus located within the internal cap sule. Cells of these two areas are shown to interact with SNAP-25 immunorea ctive structures with the aid of double-labellings. The SNAP-25 immunoreact ive fibers may represent corticofugal axons which contact the perireticular nucleus and ganglionic eminence which are regarded as intermediate targets providing a scaffold for growing axons. Anti-SNAP-25, thus, is an appropri ate marker of intermediate targets which are involved in brain injuries of preterm infants. NeuroReport 11:1259-1263 (C) 2000 Lippincott Williams & Wi lkins.