Localization of GABAA alpha 1 mRNA subunit in the brainstem nuclei controlling esophageal peristalsis.
The nucleus of the solitary tract, the site of esophageal premotor neurons (PMN), is tonically inhibited by GABAergic neurons via the GABAA receptor. We investigated the expression of GABAA alpha 1 subunit mRNA within esophageal PMNs of the NTS utilizing transynaptic tracing with pseudorabies virus and nonisotopic in-situ hybridization. Double-labeling studies revealed that the majority of PRV-immunoreactive cells also expressed GABAA alpha 1 mRNA. The expression of GABAA subunits supports a role for GABA in the brainstem circuit controlling esophageal peristalsis.
Broussard
D L
DL
Division of Gastrenterology and Nutrition, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Li
X
X
Altschuler
S M
SM
D000818:Animals; D001933:Brain Stem / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D004947:Esophagus / Q000502:physiology*; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D008297:Male; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism*; D010528:Peristalsis; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D011963:Receptors, GABA-A / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D017552:Solitary Nucleus / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D011963:Receptors, GABA-A