Immunohistochemical localization of a 40-kDa catecholamine regulated protein in the nigrostriatal pathway

The 40 kDa catecholamine regulated protein (CRP40) has been shown to covale ntly bind catcholamines in vitro. In this report we provide evidence for CR P40 localization in the dopaminergic nigrostriatal pathway. Using double la beling immunohistochemistry, CRP40 was detected in the majority of substant ia nigra pars compacta and striatal neurons. In addition, CRP40 was also pr esent in tyrosine hydroxy]ase immunonegative neurons. Subcellular localizat ion of CRP40 shows a predominant nuclear presence in striatal neurons while distinct outlining of the nucleus and cell body staining were seen more re adily in nigral neurons. These findings suggest that CRP40 may have multipl e functions in a variety of neurons in the central nervous system. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.