Laminar expression of neurofilament protein in the superior colliculus of the marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus)

The expression profile of the monoclonal antibody SMI-32 was examined in the superior colliculus of adult marmosets. This antibody recognises subunits of the non- and dephosphorylated neurofilament protein, labelling predominantly neuronal perikarya and dendrites. The densest cellular label was observed in the intermediate layers (primarily, the stratum griseum intermediale), consisting of large multior bipolar neurones which were preferentially located within cytochrome oxidase-rich regions. The morphological characteristics of neurones showing heavy staining resemble those of extrinsic projection cells, suggesting a correlation between neurofilament content and axonal length. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.