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Expression of basic fibroblast growth factor and its receptor in the rat subfornical organ
S A Frautschy1, A M Gonzalez, R Martinez Murillo
1Department of Molecular and Cellular Growth Biology, Whittier Institute for Diabetes and Endocrinology, La Jolla, Calif.
Abstract:
Basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF), its mRNA and the mRNA that encodes for its receptor have all been localized in the rat subfornical organ (SFO). Basic FGF is widely distributed throughout the SFO; it is present in neurons, in the vascular basement membrane of lateral blood vessels (but not those within the SFO) and in ependymal cells surrounding the SFO. Results of in situ hybridization show that the expression of basic FGF mRNA is detected throughout the organ. Similarly, the expression of flg, the gene for the putative basic FGF receptor, can also be detected in the SFO. The results all support the possibility that this growth factor may modulate the known physiological functions of the SFO.
Insights
Basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and its receptor mRNA are found in the rat subfornical organ (SFO). This suggests FGF may influence the SFO's physiological functions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF) plays crucial roles in cellular processes.
- The subfornical organ (SFO) is a key brain region involved in regulating fluid balance and blood pressure.
- The presence and function of FGF in the SFO were previously unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the localization of basic FGF, its mRNA, and its receptor mRNA within the rat SFO.
- To determine if basic FGF signaling is active in the SFO.
- To explore the potential role of basic FGF in modulating SFO functions.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry to localize basic FGF protein.
- In situ hybridization to detect basic FGF mRNA and its receptor (flg) mRNA expression.
- Tissue analysis of rat SFO.
Main Results:
- Basic FGF was widely distributed in rat SFO neurons, vascular basement membranes, and ependymal cells.
- Basic FGF mRNA expression was detected throughout the SFO.
- The gene for the putative basic FGF receptor (flg) was also detected in the SFO.
Conclusions:
- Basic FGF and its receptor are present in the rat SFO.
- These findings support a potential role for basic FGF in modulating SFO physiological functions.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific mechanisms involved.