Plexin a4 expression in adult rat cranial nerves

• PlexinA4 specific antibodies were used to immunostain adult rat cranial nerves.
• PlexinA4 staining was present in all cranial nerves surveyed.
• PlexinA4 was found in both sensory and motor nerves.
• The expression of PlexinA4 in adult cranial nerves suggests its participation in maintenance and repair mechanisms.

PlexinsA1–A4 participate in class 3 semaphorin signaling as co-receptors to neuropilin 1 and 2. PlexinA4 is the latest member of the PlexinA subfamily to be identified. In previous studies, we described the expression of PlexinA4 in the brain and spinal cord of the adult rat. Here, antibodies to PlexinA4 were used to reveal immunolabeling in most of the cranial nerve surveyed. Labeling was found in the olfactory, optic, oculomotor, trochlear, trigeminal, abducens, facial, vestibulocochlear, glossopharyngeal, vagus, and hypoglossal nerves. This is the first detailed description of the cellular and subcellular distribution of PlexinA4 in the adult cranial nerves. The findings will set the basis for future studies on the potential role of PlexinA4 in regeneration and repair of the adult central and peripheral nervous system.