Localization of beta pre-protachykinin mRNA in nodose ganglion.
The neurons which synthesize tachykinins in the capsaicin-sensitive afferent nerves of the respiratory tract are largely localized to the nodose ganglia. Using a radiolabelled antisense cRNA probe constructed from cDNA for the major precursor of substance P and neurokinin A (beta-preprotachykinin: beta-PPT), we have localized specific mRNA for this peptide in neurons of the nodose ganglion of rat using in situ hybridization. 26% of neurons gave a positive hybridization signal, which was in agreement with the same proportion of cell bodies showing substance P-like immunoreactivity. The specificity of the hybridization was confirmed by the absence of labelling using RNase pre-treatment and a sense probe having the same sequence as beta-PPT mRNA. This approach may now allow the investigation of factors which regulate synthesis of tachykinins at a gene transcriptional level.
Hamid
Q
Q
Department of Pathology, National Heart and Lung Institute, London, UK.
Belvisi
M G
MG
Stretton
D
D
Rohde
J
J
Harmar
A J
AJ
Barnes
P J
PJ
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D009620:Nodose Ganglion / Q000737:chemistry*; D009693:Nucleic Acid Hybridization; D011498:Protein Precursors / Q000235:genetics*; D015347:RNA Probes; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis*; D051381:Rats; D013373:Substance P / Q000032:analysis; D015320:Tachykinins / Q000235:genetics*
D011498:Protein Precursors; D015347:RNA Probes; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D015320:Tachykinins; C044206:preprotachykinin; D013373:Substance P