Dopamine transporter mRNA: dense expression in ventral midbrain neurons

Brain Res Mol Brain Res. 1992 May;13(4):359-62. doi: 10.1016/0169-328x(92)90220-6.

Abstract

Oligonucleotides and a full-length cDNA encoding a functional dopamine transporter (DAT1) hybridize to a 3.7 kb mRNA that is concentrated in mRNA prepared from midbrain and absent in specimens from cerebellum or cerebral cortex. In situ hybridization reveals substantial hybridization densities overlying neurons of the substantia nigra, pars compacta, and the parabrachialis pigmentosus region of the ventral tegmental area (VTA). Neurons in the linear and paranigral VTA regions display lower levels of expression. Preliminary studies in arcuate neurons suggest modest hybridization. Different dopaminergic cell groups display different levels of DAT1 dopamine transporter expression.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blotting, Northern
  • Carrier Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • Carrier Proteins / genetics
  • Cerebellum / metabolism
  • Cerebral Cortex / metabolism
  • DNA / genetics
  • Dopamine Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins
  • Dopamine*
  • Gene Expression
  • Membrane Glycoproteins*
  • Membrane Transport Proteins*
  • Mesencephalon / metabolism*
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins*
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Nucleic Acid Hybridization
  • Poly A / biosynthesis*
  • RNA, Messenger / biosynthesis*
  • Rats
  • Substantia Nigra / metabolism

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Dopamine Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • Membrane Transport Proteins
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Slc6a3 protein, rat
  • Poly A
  • DNA
  • Dopamine