Localization of C-type natriuretic peptide mRNA in rat hypothalamus.
Central or peripheral administration of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) affects numerous neuroendocrine systems, including the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal, hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical and hypothalamo-neurohypophysial axes. The present report characterizes the distribution of CNP mRNA in hypothalamus, providing the first definition of CNP-containing neuroendocrine circuits. In situ hybridization histochemical analysis revealed high expression of CNP mRNA in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPv) and in hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC). Hybridization signals of significantly lower intensity were seen in the medial, median and periventricular preoptic area, the supraoptic, dorsomedial, ventral premammillary and lateral mammillary nuclei and in the posterior hypothalamic area. A few scattered CNP mRNA containing cells were visualized in the medial parvocellular paraventricular nucleus, posterior magnocellular paraventricular nucleus and lateral hypothalamic area. In the AVPv and ARC the pattern of CNP mRNA distribution paralleled that of ANP mRNA. The results indicate a distribution of CNP mRNA associated with key neuroendocrine systems, and underscores the potential importance of this novel natriuretic peptide in neuroendocrine regulation.
Herman
J P
JP
Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington 40536-0084.
Langub
M C
MC
Watson
R E
RE
D000818:Animals; D009320:Atrial Natriuretic Factor / Q000235:genetics; D001483:Base Sequence; D007031:Hypothalamus / Q000378:metabolism*; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D008297:Male; D015335:Molecular Probes / Q000235:genetics; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D020098:Natriuretic Peptide, C-Type; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D014018:Tissue Distribution
D015335:Molecular Probes; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D020098:Natriuretic Peptide, C-Type; D009320:Atrial Natriuretic Factor