Ann Dermatol.  2011 Aug;23(3):299-303. 10.5021/ad.2011.23.3.299.

The Immunohistochemical Patterns of Calcification-related Molecules in the Epidermis and Dermis of the Zebrafish (Danio rerio)

• Hong YJ
• Choi YW
• Myung KB
• Choi HY

• KMID: 2171920
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2011.23.3.299

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The scales of bony fish represent a significant reservoir of calcium and calcification of the elasmoid scale is known to be associated with deposition of mineral crystals from the epidermis to dermis. However, little is known about the exact mechanisms of calcium deposition, mobilization and regeneration occurring in the zebrafish skin.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of calcification-related molecular mediators in both the epidermis and dermis of the zebrafish (Danio rerio), using immunohistochemical study.
METHODS
We examined the skin of zebrafish in four populations of different ages (i.e. 20 days post-fertilization (dpf), 35 dpf, 50 dpf, and the adult zebrafish), using several immunohistochemical markers, including bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP-4), beta-catenin, osteocalcin, osteopontin and osteonectin.
RESULTS
BMP-4, osteopontin and osteonectin were moderately expressed in the epidermis of zebrafish after 35 dpf. Also, some of the cells in the upper dermis showed strong positivity for BMP-4, osteocalcin, osteopontin and osteonetin.
CONCLUSION
Our results suggest that BMP-4, osteocalcin, osteopontin and osteonectin may play a role in the process of calcification of the elasmoid scale.

Keyword

Calcification; Elasmoid scale; Zebrafish

MeSH Terms

Adult
beta Catenin
Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4
Calcium
Dermis
Epidermis
Humans
Osteocalcin
Osteonectin
Osteopontin
Regeneration
Skin
Weights and Measures
Zebrafish
Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4
Calcium
Osteocalcin
Osteonectin
Osteopontin
beta Catenin

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Semi-thin sections from the zebrafish skin. (A) 7 weeks. The 2 layer-thick epidermis (E) covers the dermis (D), which is composed of a relatively homogenous layer. (B) 9 months. Under the epidermis, well-developed collagen and elastic fibers (arrow) are seen in dermis. There is a thin, homogenous layer just below the epidermis, which is called the elasmoid scale (arrowhead) in zebrafish (Toluidine Blue stain, ×400).

• 

  Fig. 2 Immunohistochemical stain for BMP-4, β-catenin, osteocalcin, osteopontin and osteonectin in 7 week-old and 9 month-old zebrafish skin. After 7 weeks, the epidermis (E) showed distinct positivity for BMP-4, osteopontin and osteonectin and some of the cells (arrows) in the dermis (D) also strongly expressed BMP-4, osteopontin and osteonectin (×400).

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