Preproenkephalin mRNA expression in nucleus caudalis neurons is enhanced by trigeminal stimulation.
Electrical stimulation of trigeminal afferents increases expression of preproenkephalin mRNA in neurons of laminae I and II of the trigeminal nucleus caudalis in animals sacrificed 6 hours after the end of stimulation. More neurons express, and positive cells express at higher levels. These neurons thus express the mRNA corresponding to a major pain-modulating neurotransmitter gene with significant input-related plasticity.
Nishimori
T
T
Gene Neuroscience Unit, ARC/NIDA, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224.
Buzzi
M G
MG
Moskowitz
M A
MA
Uhl
G R
GR
D000818:Animals; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D004745:Enkephalins / Q000378:metabolism*; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D008297:Male; D009693:Nucleic Acid Hybridization; D011498:Protein Precursors / Q000378:metabolism*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012668:Trigeminal Ganglion / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology
D004745:Enkephalins; D011498:Protein Precursors; D012333:RNA, Messenger; C033660:preproenkephalin