Neuropeptide Y and tyrosine hydroxylase mRNA levels in the locus coeruleus show similar increases after reserpine treatment.
In situ hybridisation histochemistry was used to study the effect of intra-peritoneal reserpine administration on messenger RNA (mRNA) levels in the locus coeruleus (LC) of the rat. 48h after injection, levels of mRNA encoding tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the LC increased to approximately 250% of control values (p less than 0.05). The level of beta-tubulin mRNA was unaffected by reserpine administration. The similar and selective increase in TH and NPY mRNA in the LC following reserpine administration suggests that NPY may play a role in the neurotransmitter function of this catecholaminergic nucleus.
Neuroendocrinology Unit, Charing Cross Hospital, London, UK.
O J
OJ
Foster
S
S
Biswas
S L
SL
Lightman
D000818:Animals; D001345:Autoradiography; D008125:Locus Coeruleus / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D009478:Neuropeptide Y / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D009693:Nucleic Acid Hybridization; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012110:Reserpine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014404:Tubulin / Q000235:genetics; D014446:Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase / Q000235:genetics
D009478:Neuropeptide Y; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D014404:Tubulin; D012110:Reserpine; D014446:Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase; D009638:Norepinephrine