Prominent expression of protein kinase C (gamma) mRNA in the dendrite-rich neuropil of mice cerebellum at the critical period for synaptogenesis.

It has been suggested that the expression of type 1 (gamma) protein kinase C(PKC) plays an active role in synaptogenesis. In situ hybridization assisted by an original computer image analysis technique (superimposition method) enabled the identification of PKC mRNA expression in the dendrite-rich neuropil area of the cerebellum. This study revealed prominent expression of PKC mRNA in the dendrite-rich neuropil area of the cerebellum at the critical period for synaptogenesis compared with adult mice cerebellum. Therefore, it is suggested that PKC mRNA in the dendrites of Purkinje cells plays an important role in synaptogenesis.