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Proto-oncogene c-fos induction in rat hippocampus
L Kaczmarek1, J A Siedlecki, W Danysz
1Department of Neurophysiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland.
Brain Research
|April 1, 1988
Summary
Glutamate and noradrenaline injections, but not saline, increased c-fos proto-oncogene mRNA in rat hippocampus. Electroconvulsive shock did not induce c-fos gene expression, suggesting a non-specific response.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Gene Expression
Background:
- The c-fos proto-oncogene is rapidly induced by various stimuli.
- Its expression in the hippocampus is often used as a marker for neuronal activation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of glutamate, noradrenaline, and electroconvulsive shock on c-fos proto-oncogene mRNA accumulation in the rat hippocampus.
- To determine if c-fos induction is a specific marker for certain types of neuronal stimulation.
Main Methods:
- Rats were injected with glutamate, noradrenaline, or physiological saline.
- Electroconvulsive shock was administered to a separate group of rats.
- c-fos proto-oncogene mRNA levels in the hippocampus were measured.
Main Results:
- A non-specific accumulation of c-fos proto-oncogene mRNA was observed in the hippocampus following injections of glutamate, noradrenaline, and physiological saline.
- Electroconvulsive shock did not lead to c-fos gene induction.
Conclusions:
- The accumulation of c-fos proto-oncogene mRNA in the hippocampus may not be a specific indicator of neuronal activation by all stimuli.
- Physiological saline, glutamate, and noradrenaline can all lead to non-specific c-fos mRNA expression.