Messenger RNA of G-proteins alpha-subunit in rat brown adipose tissue

The present study was addressed to quantify the steady-state mRNA levels for the alpha subunit of stimulatory (Gs) and inhibitory (Gi-1 and Gi-2) G-proteins in brown (interscapular) male rat adipose tissue (n = 6 rats). The quantification of specific mRNA, estimated using a solution hybridization RNAse protection assay, showed that the amounts of G alpha i-1, G alpha i-2 and G alpha s mRNA were 0.88 +/- 0.28 amol/microgram DNA, 76 +/- 4 amol/micrograms DNA and 460 +/- 16 amol/micrograms DNA, respectively. When the amounts of G alpha i-1 and G alpha i-2 and G alpha s mRNA in brown adipose tissue were compared with those in epididymal white adipose tissue (obtained from the same rats), G alpha i-1 and G alpha i-2 mRNA levels were very similar between brown and white adipose tissue, whereas the level of G alpha s mRNA was significantly higher in brown than in white fat tissue (P < 0.001). In conclusion, the present study shows the steady-state levels of mRNA for the alpha subunit of Gs, Gi-1 and Gi-2 in rat brown fat and suggests that the quantity of G alpha s mRNA is higher in brown than in white adipose tissue. Further studies are needed to explain the possible physiological importance of these findings.