Fig. 3. Ahd2 expression is largely lost in the mdDA system of Pitx3-deficient mice. (A) Distribution of Ahd2 in adult coronal sections of Pitx3-deficient mice from the rostral (R) to the caudal (C) mdDA area containing neurons in the SNc and VTA. The cell bodies of these mdDA neurons were identified by Th mRNA expression (A,C,E), and Ahd2 expression was analyzed on adjacent sections (B,D,F). (B) Distribution of Ahd2 mRNA in sagittal E13.5 sections from the lateral (L) to medial (M) part of the mdDA area of Pitx3-deficient mice. The cell bodies of the fully differentiated mdDA neurons were identified by Th mRNA expression, and Ahd2 expression was analyzed on adjacent sections. Expression of Aadc on adjacent sections identified, in addition to the fully differentiated mdDA neurons, young migrating DA neurons located more dorsally. 3V, third ventricle; 4V, fourth ventricle; Aq, aqueduct; mdDA, meso-diencephalic dopaminergic; MF, mesencephalic flexure; SNc. substantia nigra pars compacta; VTA, ventral tegmental area.