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Transient expression of neurotensin mRNA in the mitral cells of rat olfactory bulb during development
1Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics Research, Cambridge Research Station, Babraham, U.K.
Abstract:
The transient expression of neurotensin mRNA in the mitral cells of the rat olfactory bulb was demonstrated during the perinatal period using non-radioactive in situ hybridization in which an alkaline phosphatase labelled oligodeoxynucleotide probe was used. The relative cellular content of neurotensin mRNA signal was measured by use of a microdensitometer. Neurotensin mRNA positive cells were observed in the primordium of mitral cells on embryonic day 14 and their mRNA content increased gradually up to the day of birth. During the first postnatal week, the strength of their neurotensin mRNA signal decreased dramatically, and continued to decrease until in the adult olfactory bulb neurotensin mRNA was no longer detectable. This decrease of the neurotensin mRNA content coincided with a parallel decrease of neurotensin immunoreactivity observed in the lateral olfactory tract.
Insights
Neurotensin mRNA is transiently expressed in rat olfactory bulb mitral cells during development. Its expression peaks around birth and significantly declines to undetectable levels in adulthood.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Neurotensin is a neuropeptide implicated in various brain functions.
- Its expression patterns during development are not fully understood, particularly in sensory systems like the olfactory bulb.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the developmental expression profile of neurotensin mRNA in the rat olfactory bulb.
- To correlate neurotensin mRNA expression with neurotensin protein levels during perinatal development.
Main Methods:
- Non-radioactive in situ hybridization using an alkaline phosphatase-labeled oligodeoxynucleotide probe.
- Microdensitometry to quantify relative cellular neurotensin mRNA signal.
- Immunohistochemistry to assess neurotensin immunoreactivity.
Main Results:
- Neurotensin mRNA was detected in mitral cell primordia by embryonic day 14.
- mRNA levels increased from embryonic day 14 to birth.
- A rapid and significant decrease in neurotensin mRNA signal was observed during the first postnatal week, becoming undetectable in adults.
- This decline in mRNA paralleled a decrease in neurotensin immunoreactivity in the lateral olfactory tract.
Conclusions:
- Neurotensin expression in rat olfactory bulb mitral cells is developmentally regulated and transient.
- The observed expression pattern suggests a role for neurotensin during a specific perinatal period of olfactory system development.
- The downregulation of neurotensin coincides with the maturation of olfactory pathways.