Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 17, 2026

Determining Genetic Expression Profiles in C. elegans Using Microarray and Real-time PCR
Published on: July 30, 2011
Neurotransmitter noradrenaline downregulate cytoskeletal protein expression of VSMCs
Juan Liu1, YanMei Liu, Yirong Xu
1Department of Anatomy, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
Objective:
This study investigates the effects of noradrenaline (NA) on cytoskeletal protein expression of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs).
Methods:
VSMCs were isolated from rat aortic tissue and cultured. The cultured VSMCs were divided into 4 experimental groups: (1) control group, (2) NA treatment group, (3) starvation group, and (4) NA treatment+starvation group. The expression of cytoskeletal protein (smooth muscle α-actin, β-tubulin and desmin) was evaluated by (i) Coomassie blue staining, (ii) immunofluorescent staining, and (iii) RT-PCR and Western Blot.
Results:
NA treatment significantly downregulated the expression of SM α-actin, β-tubulin and desmin (P<0.05). The serum starvation did not affect the expression of cytoskeletal protein (SM α-actin, β-tubulin and desmin), but when the cells were treated with the combination of NA and serum starvation, the expression of SM α-actin, β-tubulin and desmin were down-regulated than those of the serum starvation group (P<0.05).
Conclusion:
These results suggested that NA might play a key role in regulating the cytoskeletal protein expression of VSMCs.
Related Concept Videos
Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Release or Uptake
Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Synthesis
Neurochemical Transmission: Sites of Drug Action
Adrenergic Neurons: Neurotransmission
Synthesis: Catecholamine synthesis requires tyrosine, which is taken...
Adrenergic Agonists: Indirect-Acting Agents
One mechanism involves depleting stored catecholamines by displacing them from synaptic vesicles. These agents, known as "displacers," are transported into vesicles at the expense of noradrenaline. Examples include amphetamine and tyramine, which lack a catechol moiety, resulting in prolonged action, improved oral bioavailability, and...
Classification of Neurotransmitters

