Pyramidal cells ensheathed by perineuronal nets in human motor and somatosensory cortex

• Published in: Neuroreport Vol. 7; no. 11; p. 1725
• Main Authors: Hausen, D, Brückner, G, Drlicek, M, Härtig, W, Brauer, K, Bigl, V
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 29-07-1996
• Subjects: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cell Count; Extracellular Matrix - metabolism; Female; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Male; Middle Aged; Motor Cortex - metabolism; Pyramidal Cells - metabolism; Somatosensory Cortex - metabolism
• ISSN: 0959-4965
• DOI: 10.1097/00001756-199607290-00006

This study presents data concerning the distribution of chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan-immunoreactive perineuronal nets in sensorimotor areas (Brodmann's areas 3, 1, 2 and 4) of the human cerebral cortex. In addition to previously described subpopulations of nonpyramidal neurons in neocortical areas, many large or medium-sized pyramidal cells in layers III and V, including Betz cells in the motor cortex, were shown to be net-associated and constitute about one-third of all net-associated cells. Such widespread occurrence of perineuronal nets around subpopulations of pyramidal cells is known from macaque monkeys but not from the cortex of myomorph rodents. Thus it appears that a certain proportion of net-associated pyramidal cells distinguishes individual cortical areas in highly evolved primates. This ratio may vary also with respect to species-dependent organization principles in nonprimate mammals.