Abstract: Objective To investigate distribution of the microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP-2) and nestin in the human developing embryonic spinal cord. Methods Sixteen human embryos, ranged from 2 to 4 months old were used in the present study. Immunohistochemical staining was uesd to detect the expression and distribution of MAP-2 and nestin in the anterior horn, central canal and posterior horn of the spinal cord. Results At the stages of the second to fourth months, nestin-positive nerve fibers were seen within the human embryonic spinal cord, with increase of the gestational age, the expression of nestin-positive neural precursor cells and glial cells first increased and then decreased in the anterior horn, but that in the posterior horn gradually increased. MAP-2 in the anterior and posterior horns of spinal cord nerve cells were positive, with increasing gestational age. Conclusion MAP-2 and nestin involve in the regulation of spinal cord neurons and glial cells during the human embryonic growth and development.

Key words: Spinal cord, Microtubule-associated protein 2, Nestin, Immunohistochemistry, Human embryo