ABSTRACT
The olfactory bulb (OB) presents a unique pattern of permanent acquisition of primary afferents and interneurons, but not much detail is known about the differentiation of its oligodendroglial cells. We studied the expression of 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase (CNPase), a protein related to axonal ensheathment by myelinating cells. Expression of CNPase in OB follows a general caudorostral gradient, with the exception of the glomerular layer (GL). At postnatal day 5-6 (P5-P6), the first CNPase(+) profiles appeared in the dorsal lateral olfactory tract adjacent to the accessory OB (AOB), followed by rare cell bodies and processes in AOB internal plexiform layer at P7. At P9, the main OB (MOB) granular cell layer (GrCL) already showed intensely stained CNPase(+) processes. From P5 to P12, small numbers of CNPase(+) cells were found in the subventricular zone (SVZ), throughout its rostral extension (SVZ-RE), and in the intrabulbar subependymal layer. The appearance of CNPase(+) profiles delimiting glomeruli started in the GL rostralmost region at P12, extending to all GL levels, but glomeruli remained open caudally at P15. At P18, oligodendroglial glomeruli were evident throughout OB, but the adult pattern was established only after P30. There was no age-related loss of CNPase immunoreactivity in glial cell bodies, possibly indicating de novo ensheathment of neurites. Our results show an earlier onset of oligodendroglial differentiation in OB than previously reported and a rostrocaudal gradient of formation of oligodendroglial glomeruli. They also raise the possibility that a minor fraction of OB oligodendrocytes might derive from the SVZ-RE.