Distribution and cellular localization of the serotonin type 2C receptor messenger RNA in human brain

• Published in: Neuroscience Vol. 92; no. 2; pp. 601 - 611
• Main Authors: Pasqualetti, M, Ori, M, Castagna, M, Marazziti, D, Cassano, G.B, Nardi, I
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01.05.1999; Elsevier
• Subjects: 5-HT 2C receptor; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Basal Ganglia - chemistry; Biological and medical sciences; Brain Chemistry - physiology; Brain Mapping; Central nervous system; Central neurotransmission. Neuromudulation. Pathways and receptors; Cerebellum - chemistry; Cerebral Cortex - chemistry; Choroid Plexus - chemistry; Female; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Hippocampus - chemistry; human brain; Humans; Hypothalamus - chemistry; in situ hybridization; Male; Middle Aged; mRNA expression; Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2C; Receptors, Serotonin - analysis; RNA, Messenger - analysis; serotonin receptors; Vertebrates: nervous system and sense organs; DAB, diaminobenzidine; serotonin receptors; 5-HT, 5-hydroxytryptamine, serotonin; RT, reverse transcription; NBT, 4-nitroblue tetrazolium chloride; mRNA expression; human brain; PBS, phosphate-buffered saline; m-CPP, m-chlorophenylpiperazine; nt, nucleotides; TH, tyrosine hydroxylase; 5-HT 2C receptor; PCR, polymerase chain reaction; BCIP, 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-phosphate; in situ hybridization; bp, base pairs; Human; Central nervous system; Distribution; Gene expression; Localization; 5-HT2 Serotonine receptor; Brain (vertebrata)
• ISSN: 0306-4522; 1873-7544
• DOI: 10.1016/S0306-4522(99)00011-1

The regional and cellular distribution of serotonin type 2C receptor messenger RNA was investigated in autopsy samples of human brain by in situ hybridization histochemistry. The main sites of serotonin receptor type 2C messenger RNA expression were the choroid plexus, cerebral cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, some components of the basal ganglia, the substantia nigra, the substantia innominata and the ventromedial hypothalamus, suggesting that this receptor might be involved in the regulation of different brain functions. Interestingly, in all regions examined, the serotonin type 2C receptor messenger RNA was always restricted to subpopulations of cells, suggesting a specific role, perhaps determined by regionality. A comparison of the in situ hybridization results with those previously obtained by means of radioligand binding experiments suggested that in most of the areas analysed the serotonin type 2C receptors were located at axon terminals.