Changes in levels of mRNA coding for catecholamine synthesizing enzymes and neuropeptide Y in the adrenal medulla of the newborn rat.
We have measured levels of mRNA coding for the catecholamine synthesizing enzymes tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), dopamine beta-hydroxylase (D beta H), phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT) and for neuropeptide Y (NPY) in rat adrenal medulla by using in situ hybridization histochemistry. Ages of one day before birth (E21), 12 h, 24 h, 2 days and 4 days after birth and in adults were studied. TH, D beta H and NPY mRNA levels increased markedly postnatally. Twelve hours after birth the levels of mRNA for TH, D beta H and NPY were, respectively, 512 +/- 18%, 370 +/- 24% and 253 +/- 21% of E21 levels. At 24 h of age NPY mRNA level was 437 +/- 73% of fetal value. In contrast, the levels of mRNA coding for PNMT increased more slowly and reached 196 +/- 9% of E21 level on postnatal day four and was further increased in adult rats.
Holgert
H
H
Department of Pediatrics, Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
Schalling
M
M
Hertzberg
T
T
Lagercrantz
H
H
Hökfelt
T
T
D000313:Adrenal Medulla / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D002395:Catecholamines / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D004299:Dopamine beta-Hydroxylase / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D009478:Neuropeptide Y / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D010625:Phenylethanolamine N-Methyltransferase / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D014446:Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
D002395:Catecholamines; D009478:Neuropeptide Y; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D014446:Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase; D004299:Dopamine beta-Hydroxylase; D010625:Phenylethanolamine N-Methyltransferase