Expression of GAP-43 mRNA in preganglionic sympathetic neurones of the adult rat spinal cord.
In situ hybridization combined with intraperitoneal injection of the tracer Fluoro-Gold was used to study the distribution of GAP-43 mRNA in autonomic cell groups of the rat spinal cord. In the thoracic cord, numerous cells expressing GAP-43 mRNA were present in the central autonomic nucleus (lamina X) and in the intermediolateral cell column (IML). In the IML, all Fluoro-Gold-labelled preganglionic neurones were heavily labelled for GAP-43 mRNA. In contrast, Fluoro-Gold-labelled motoneurones were unlabelled or only lightly labelled. Our results indicate that preganglionic sympathetic neurones express GAP-43, a conclusion that is consistent with studies showing that GAP-43 immunoreactive terminals are present in autonomic ganglia. GAP-43 in these neurones may play a role in their continuing anatomical remodelling.
Michael
G J
GJ
Division of Physiology, UMDS St Thomas's Hospital Medical School Campus, London, UK.
Priestley
J V
JV
D000818:Animals; D001339:Autonomic Fibers, Preganglionic / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D002148:Calmodulin-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D019922:GAP-43 Protein; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000235:genetics*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D008297:Male; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000235:genetics*; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D013266:Stilbamidines; D013564:Sympathetic Nervous System / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism
C049774:2-hydroxy-4,4'-diamidinostilbene, methanesulfonate salt; D002148:Calmodulin-Binding Proteins; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D019922:GAP-43 Protein; D006133:Growth Substances; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D013266:Stilbamidines