[Expression and localization of immediate early genes and preproenkephalin gene in central nervous system following...

Using the techniques of immunohistochemistry, Northern blotting and in situ hybridization, we have found that electroacupuncture (2/15Hz) accelerated the expression of mRNA and protein synthesis of immediate early genes c-fos, c-jun as well as proenkephalin gene in rat central nervous system (CNS). Northern hybridization revealed that EA stimulation induced c-fos gene expression within 1-2 h, followed by PENK gene expression which peaked at 48h. Morphological study demonstrated that the sites of c-fos, c-jun and PENK mRNA expression and protein synthesis coincide with each other in the CNS. The results suggest that Fos/Jun may function as the transcription regulator of PENK gene.