Doublecortin (DCX), a microtubule-associated protein, expresses specifically in neuronal precursors and used as a marker for neuronal precursors and neurogenesis. In the present study, we observed differences in DCX immunoreactivity and its protein levels in the main olfactory bulb (MOB) of young adult, middle-aged and aged dogs. In the young adult dog, DCX-immunoreactive cells with well-stained processes were detected in the MOB. DCX immunoreactive cells were decreased in the MOB of middle-aged dog. In the aged dog, DCX immunoreactive cells were more decreased compared to that in the MOB of middle-aged dog. DCX protein level in the dog MOB was also significantly decreased with age. These results suggest that reductions of DCX immunoreactivity and protein levels in the aged MOB may be involved in some neural deficits related to olfactory impairment in the aged dog.
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