Abstract
The ontogeny of dopamine transporter (DAT) gene expression was studied in the rat brain. DAT mRNA was first detected in neurons of the ventrocaudal mesencephalon on embryonic day 14 (E14). By E18, intensely expressing neurons in the ventral tegmental area and substantia nigra resembled the pattern found in adult midbrain. DAT mRNA is not abundant in the hypothalamus and the olfactory bulb at any stage of development. These results parallel those noted for tyrosine hydroxylase gene expression in mesencephalon.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Brain / embryology
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Brain / growth & development
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Brain / metabolism*
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Carrier Proteins / genetics*
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Dopamine Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins
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Embryonic and Fetal Development / genetics
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In Situ Hybridization
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Male
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Membrane Glycoproteins*
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Membrane Transport Proteins*
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Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics*
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RNA, Messenger / biosynthesis*
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Rats
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Rats, Wistar
Substances
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Carrier Proteins
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Dopamine Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins
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Membrane Glycoproteins
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Membrane Transport Proteins
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Nerve Tissue Proteins
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RNA, Messenger
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Slc6a3 protein, rat