Distribution of some adhesion molecules in fetal human cerebral cotex

ABSTRACT The harmony between cells is one of the basic condition which obtain life continuity. This harmony occurs via this intrinsic and extrinsic factors. One of the factors is known to be the adhesion molecules. While NCAM (Neural cell adhesion molecule) and N-cadherin (neural cadherin), which is being adhesion molecules family, were playing role development of basic units by neural tube during development, but L1 CAM (L1 cell adhesion molecule) be responsible for doing well several mechanisms in central nervous system. In the present study, we aimed to show the distribution of these three adhesion molecules in the human fetal cerebral cortex. Tissue samples of cerebral cortex at three trimesters were obtained from abortus material and were stained by immunohistochemical techniques and examined under a light microscope. NCAM immunoreaktivity was obsereved at cerebral cortex layers between cell processes and particularly on the axons. This immunreaction was more evident at the sixth layer where the fibers are concentrated. L1 CAM immunoreactivity is similar to that of NCAM but there is no noticable immunoreaction at the upper layer of the cerebral cortex. Also, the immunoreactivity for N cadherin was seen in processes between cells and in some nuclei in all of the layers. Moreover N cadherin was observed in vessel endotelium. In conclusion; according to the results of this study NCAM, L1 CAM and N-cadherin may play a role as a regulator of cell migration and axon development in human cerebral cortex; and axon fasciculation may be an important factor affecting cell layer formation, axon fiber organization and the establishment of astrocyte-endotelium contacts. Keywords: Human, fetus, cerebral cortex, NCAM, L1CAM, N-cadherin, immunohistochemistry.