We report the existence of the spindle neurons in layer Vb of the anterior
cingulate cortex (Brodman's area 24b) in a chimpanzee fetus (embryonic day
224), which was stillborn. About 5.3% of neuronal cells in layer Vb were th
e spindle neurons at this stage. The width of the spindle neurons was 10-15
mum. In layer V of the prefrontal cortex (Brodman's area 46) in the chimpa
nzee fetus, and in layer Vb of the cingulate cortex in adult macaque monkey
s, no spindle neurons were observed. The immunoreactivity against brain-der
ived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was detected only in the pyramidal neurons
at this stage. These findings suggest that the existence of the spindle neu
rons in layer Vb of the anterior cingulate cortex and the presence of BDNF
in the pyramidal neurons are intrinsically characterized during the embryon
ic stage of the chimpanzee. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All righ
ts reserved.