[Expression of nNOS, Pax3 and Cx43 proteins in early developing posterior horn of embryonic and fetal human spinal cord].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the distribution pattern of the expressions neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), Pax3 and connexin 43 (Cx43) proteins in the early developing posterior horn of embryonic and fetal human spinal cord.

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expressions of nNOS, Pax3 and Cx43 proteins in the posterior horn of the spinal cord during the second, third and fourth month of human embryonic and fetal development.

RESULTS

In the second to fourth month of gestation, the expressions of nNOS and Pax3 proteins increased gradually from weak expression to strong expression in the posterior horn of the spinal cord. In the second to third month of development, Cx43 protein expression was negative in the posterior horn of the spinal cord, but positive in the myelin sheath. In the fourth month, positive Cx43 expression was detected in some of the cells in the posterior horn of the spinal cord.

CONCLUSION

nNOS, Pax3 and Cx43 proteins are closely related to the growth and development of the spinal cord in human embryos and fetuses.