The border between EC and POR is rather easy to establish based on cytoarchitecture, because in POR no lamina dissecans can be distinguished. Moreover, layers II -IV of POR are characterized by their homogeneous packing density of relatively small, lightly stained neurons, resulting in an overall lack of a clear laminar structure. This is quite different in the adjacent EC where layer II cells are significantly larger and darker in Nissl and NeuN staining. Also layers III and V of the EC have an overall different appearance.
A further distinctive characteristic of POR is the presence of ectopic layer II cells in the more rostral portions of POR. Staining with an antibody against the calcium-binding protein parvalbumin makes the border between EC and POR stands out. The EC, however, stains strongly positive for parvalbumin close to the border, so that an abrupt loss of staining can be seen in the POR. By contrast, in material stained for the calcium-binding protein calbindin, a marked, strong staining in POR is noticeable.
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