Immunocytochemical detection of the neurokinin B receptor (NK3) on melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) neurons in rat brain.
The presence of the neurokinin B receptor (NK3 receptor) in the rat lateral hypothalamus and the zona incerta was previously reported. The aim of the present study was to define its cellular localization in these areas. Investigations, coupling immunocytochemical and in situ hybridization techniques, focussed on two neuron populations: the melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) neurons and a population of neurons recognized by an ovine prolactin antiserum (PRL-ir neurons). While PRL-ir neurons did not exhibit NK3 immunoreactivity, 57% +/- 6% of MCH neurons were strongly stained by the NK3 antiserum. These results suggest that neurokinin B is involved in the regulation of MCH neuron activity via the NK3 receptor; they provide new bases for further investigations on MCH role in the control of food and water intake.
Griffond
B
B
C.N.R.S. URA 561, Laboratoire d'Histologie Embryologie Cytogénétique, Faculté de Médecine, Besançon, France.
Ciofi
P
P
Bayer
L
L
Jacquemard
C
C
Fellmann
D
D
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000166:cytology; D001923:Brain Chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D007028:Hypothalamic Hormones / Q000378:metabolism*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D008297:Male; D008543:Melanins / Q000378:metabolism*; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism*; D010907:Pituitary Hormones / Q000378:metabolism*; D011388:Prolactin / Q000502:physiology; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D018042:Receptors, Neurokinin-3 / Q000378:metabolism*
D007028:Hypothalamic Hormones; D008543:Melanins; D010907:Pituitary Hormones; D018042:Receptors, Neurokinin-3; C019463:melanin-concentrating hormone; D011388:Prolactin