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Evidence for the presence of beta 3-adrenergic receptor mRNA in the human brain
M Rodriguez1, C Carillon, A Coquerel
1Sanofi Recherche, Labège, France.
Abstract:
The beta 3-adrenergic receptor (AR) is widely distributed in peripheral tissues, but up to now it has not been detected in the central nervous system. By using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique, we found the beta 3-AR mRNA to be present in all the regions of the human brain we investigated. The quantities found were very low compared to those of the beta 1-AR and beta 2-AR mRNAs, being hardly detectable in adult brain. In contrast, the brain of very young infants contained about 100 times more beta 3-AR mRNA than the adult brain, whereas the amounts of beta 1-AR and beta 2-AR transcripts were essentially the same. In addition, using PCR we have cloned a central beta 3-AR coding region from a human frontal cortex cDNA library and have found it to be identical to the corresponding peripheral sequence.
Insights
The beta 3-adrenergic receptor (AR) mRNA is present in the human brain, particularly in infants. This finding challenges previous assumptions about beta 3-AR distribution in the central nervous system.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The beta 3-adrenergic receptor (AR) is known to be present in peripheral tissues.
- Previously, beta 3-AR was not detected in the central nervous system.
- Understanding the distribution of adrenergic receptors is crucial for neurological research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of beta 3-AR mRNA in the human brain.
- To compare beta 3-AR expression levels in different brain regions and age groups.
- To determine if the central beta 3-AR sequence differs from the peripheral one.
Main Methods:
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique was employed.
- Analysis of mRNA from various human brain regions.
- Cloning of the central beta 3-AR coding region from a human frontal cortex cDNA library.
Main Results:
- Beta 3-AR mRNA was detected in all investigated human brain regions.
- Expression levels were significantly higher in infant brains compared to adult brains (approximately 100-fold increase).
- The cloned central beta 3-AR coding sequence is identical to the peripheral sequence.
Conclusions:
- Beta 3-adrenergic receptors are present in the human central nervous system.
- Beta 3-AR expression in the brain shows significant developmental changes.
- The molecular identity of central beta 3-AR is conserved with peripheral receptors.