6533b86efe1ef96bd12cc7d0
RESEARCH PRODUCT
Expression of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the rat superior cervical ganglion on mRNA and protein level.
Hannsjörg SchröderChristina LobronAlfred MaelickeAndrea WeversLars KlimaschewskiR. SpessertStefan ReussChristine Heymsubject
Malemedicine.medical_specialtySuperior cervical ganglionBlotting WesternFluorescent Antibody TechniqueGene ExpressionNerve Tissue ProteinsSuperior Cervical GanglionBiologyReceptors NicotinicRats Sprague-DawleyCellular and Molecular NeuroscienceGanglion type nicotinic receptorInternal medicineMuscarinic acetylcholine receptormedicineAnimalsRNA MessengerMolecular BiologyIn Situ HybridizationG alpha subunitAcetylcholine receptorNeuronsMolecular biologyRatsEndocrinologyNicotinic agonistnervous systemSmall intensely fluorescent cellFemalesense organsAcetylcholinemedicine.drugdescription
The expression of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) in the rat superior cervical ganglion was investigated by Western blotting, immunohistochemistry and non-radioactive in situ hybridization applying probes for the alpha 4-1 and beta 2 subunit mRNA. Immunoblot analysis of homogenized ganglia using the anti-nAChRs antibody WF6 revealed a labeled protein band of apparent molecular weight of 40 kDa which is typical for the alpha subunit of nAChRs. Applying double-labeling immunofluorescence with antibodies against tyrosine hydroxylase, nAChR-like molecules were identified in most postganglionic neurons and in a subpopulation of small intensely fluorescent (SIF) cells. alpha 4-1 and beta 2 subunit mRNAs were detected in all perikarya of postganglionic sympathetic neurons but not in SIF cells. These results suggest that antibodies raised against purified Torpedo AChR bind to nAChR in sympathetic ganglia and indicate that alpha 4-1 and beta 2 subunits are constituents of nAChRs in sympathetic postganglionic neurons but not of SIF cells.
| year | journal | country | edition | language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994-11-01 | Brain research. Molecular brain research |