Endothelin ETA and ETB receptor expression in the human trigeminal ganglion.
OBJECTIVE
Endothelin is a potent peptide mediator that is synthesized by a number of cells. Previous studies have revealed the occurrence of endothelin in nerve cell bodies of some peripheral ganglia. Endothelin mediates its effects via two distinct receptor subtypes ETA and ETB. The present study was designed to investigate the presence of these two receptors in the human trigeminal ganglion.


METHODS
Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to show the presence of mRNA encoding ETA and ETB receptors in the human trigeminal ganglion. To localize the protein immunocytochemistry with antibodies against the endothelin receptors was used.


RESULTS
Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis revealed mRNA for both receptor subtypes in the human trigeminal ganglion. Immunocytochemistry revealed numerous cell bodies containing the ETA and the ETB receptor proteins.


CONCLUSIONS
The expression of ETA and ETB receptors in the human trigeminal ganglion suggests a role for endothelin in autonomic and sensory neural transmission.
Uddman
Rolf
R
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Malmö University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden. rolf.uddman@oron.mas.lu.se
Tajti
Janos
J
Cardell
Lars-Olaf
LO
Sundler
Frank
F
Uddman
Erik
E
Edvinsson
Lars
L
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D044022:Receptor, Endothelin A / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D044023:Receptor, Endothelin B / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D012016:Reference Values; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D014018:Tissue Distribution; D012668:Trigeminal Ganglion / Q000378:metabolism*
D012333:RNA, Messenger; D044022:Receptor, Endothelin A; D044023:Receptor, Endothelin B