Identification of the primary auditory field in archival human brain tissue via immunocytochemistry of parvalbumin.

Using parvalbumin (PV)-immunocytochemistry, we identified the human primary auditory field (PAF) for the first time. The first gyrus of the right Heschl was identified, and a serial perpendicular cut to the gyrus was made. PV-immunoreactive neuropils delineated four zones, as have been described in monkeys. Unlike with conventional staining, zone 1, characterized by intense immunostaining, corresponded to the koniocortex (PAF), while zone 2, characterized by moderate immunostaining around zone 1, to the parakoniocortex. PV-immunocytochemistry was a useful way to identify PAF in formaline-fixed archival human brain tissue.