Lack of alteration in DRG neurons and dorsal horn immunoreactivity in EphB1 KO mice.

Sections of lumbar L4 and L5 DRGs were double-stained with markers for the different subpopulation of neurons in the DRG and a general neuronal marker (PGP9.5 or beta-tubulin). Anti-CGRP antibodies and the isolectin IB4 bind respectively to peptidergic and non-peptidergic small and medium sized nociceptive neurons, whereas N52 antibodies bind to high molecular weight neurofilament present in large mechanoceptive and proprioceptive neurons. Quantification of the proportion of the total number of neurons (identified by the general neuronal marker), which also stained for a specific subpopulation marker, was carried out. No difference was observed between WT and EphB1KO mice. Sections of lumbar spinal cords were stained with anti-CGRP antibodies of the isolectin IB4, which bind respectively to the terminals of peptidergic and non-peptidergic nociceptive afferents. No difference was observed between WT and EphB1KO mice in the area covered by CGRP-positive and IB4-positive terminals in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord.