BMP5 expression in the adult rat brain

- Using immunohistochemistry, we investigated BMP5 expression in the adult rat CNS.
- We found abundant BMP5 expression throughout the adult CNS.
- Interestingly, many kinds of axons express BMP5 protein.
- We also found BMP5 protein in the apical dendrites of pyramidal cells.
- Astrocytes, ependymal cells and meninges also express BMP5 protein.

Bone morphogenetic protein-5 (BMP5), a member of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily, has many effects in several biological events. Although BMP5 expression has been well reported in the early development of the central nervous system (CNS), there is little information about its expression in the adult CNS. Thus, we analyzed BMP5 expression in the adult rat CNS by immunohistochemistry. Abundant BMP5 expression was observed in most neurons, and their dendrites and axons. Furthermore, strong BMP5 expression was also detected in the neuropil of the gray matters with high plasticity, such as the molecular layer of the cerebellum, locus coeruleus, and nucleus of the solitary tract. In addition, we showed BMP5 expression also in astrocytes, ependymal cells and meninges. Our data suggest that BMP5 is widely expressed throughout the adult CNS, and this abundant expression in the adult brain strongly supports the idea that BMP5 plays important roles not only in the developing brain but also in the adult brain.