Dendrin (DDN)

DDN expression was reduced after an extended period of wakefulness. Sleep deprivation decreased mRNA and protein concentrations of both dendrin isoforms in subcortical forebrain plus midbrain areas. In the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, the relative dendrin mRNA levels were unchanged, whereas the cortical protein concentration was reduced. Immunohistochemical analysis detected abundant dendrin expression in hippocampus, notably in apical dendrites of CA1 pyramidal cells. Dendritic and perikaryal staining was apparent in neurons of the cerebral cortex, dentate gyrus, subiculum, amygdala, and preoptic areas. In cortical and hippocampal dendrites, electron-dense immunoreaction was associated with the endoplasmic reticulum, the plasma membrane, and spine heads.