Reelin immunoreactivity and morphological analysis of the human visual cortex.

Reelin is a secreted glycoprotein with a crucial role in development of the Central Nervous System. In adults, its function remains unclear but it may be involved in the modulation of synaptic plasticity. Having in mind this possible property of reelin, the authors decided to study the distribution of reelin immunoreactivity in the neurons of the human adult primary visual cortex and compare the findings with morphological analysis (Golgi method) of neuronal networks. The distribution of reelin in the primary visual cortex is different from other cortical area examined; reelin is mostly present in the neurons of second and sixth layer.