Figure 17.

Semi-quantitative analysis of nestin and DCX expression in the Papez circuit. Nestin and DCX expression in the Papez circuit is even throughout the hypothalamus, as revealed by original images in grayscale. Thus, the average pixel intensity is proportional to the level of expression of these two proteins. This analysis is important for the evaluation of autofluorescence because the average pixel intensities of both nestin and DCX are higher than the average pixel intensities of the negative control (p < 0.01, Student’s t-test) in the fornix (Fx), mammillary body (MB) and mammillothalamic tract (MT). However, in the mammillary body, the difference in nestin expression is not as visually discernible as for DCX expression, which was identified in 31.8 cell bodies per mm² on average in an analyzed area of 3.62 mm². (A–C), parasagittal section of the hypothalamus, depicting the negative control and expression of nestin and DCX, respectively. (D–L), higher magnification of the corresponding boxes depicted in figures (A–C). Each figure from (D–L) harbors 682,080 pixels. The numbers at the bottom of each figure represent their corresponding average and standard deviation values for pixel intensity. Scale bars: (A–C) = 5,000 μm; (D–L) = 100 μm.