Dopaminergic regulation of pre-proNPY mRNA levels in the rat arcuate nucleus.
In order to study the role of dopamine on neuropeptide Y (NPY) gene expression in the rat arcuate nucleus, we evaluated the effects of haloperidol, a dopaminergic antagonist, and bromocriptine, a D2 dopamine receptor agonist, on the levels of pre-proNPY mRNA as measured by in situ hybridization. Chronic treatment with bromocriptine produced a moderate decrease of the hybridization signal, whereas haloperidol treatment resulted in a marked increase in signal intensities. These results indicate that, in the arcuate nucleus, NPY neurons are negatively regulated by dopaminergic-mediated mechanisms acting most likely through D2 receptors.
MRC Group in Molecular Endocrinology, Laval University Medical Center, Québec, Que. Canada.
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G
Pelletier
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J
Simard
D000818:Animals; D001111:Arcuate Nucleus of Hypothalamus / Q000378:metabolism*; D001345:Autoradiography; D001971:Bromocriptine / Q000494:pharmacology; D003720:Densitometry; D015259:Dopamine Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006220:Haloperidol / Q000494:pharmacology; D008297:Male; D009478:Neuropeptide Y / Q000235:genetics*; D009693:Nucleic Acid Hybridization; D011498:Protein Precursors / Q000235:genetics*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats
D015259:Dopamine Agents; D009478:Neuropeptide Y; D011498:Protein Precursors; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D001971:Bromocriptine; C042084:preproneuropeptide Y; D006220:Haloperidol