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Early expression of D 3 dopamine receptors in murine embryonic development
Author(s) -
Fishburn C.Simone,
Bedford Mark,
Lonai Peter,
Fuchs Sara
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
febs letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.593
H-Index - 257
eISSN - 1873-3468
pISSN - 0014-5793
DOI - 10.1016/0014-5793(96)00119-6
Subject(s) - receptor , biology , forebrain , embryogenesis , messenger rna , in situ hybridization , microbiology and biotechnology , neural tube , dopamine receptor , medicine , receptor expression , endocrinology , embryo , central nervous system , gene , genetics
In order to determine whether the D 2 and D 3 dopamine receptors may have a role in prenatal development, we have studied the mRNA expression and distribution of these receptors during murine embryonic development. Using RT‐PCR on RNA from embryos taken at progressive stages of development, we have shown that the D 3 receptor is expressed significantly earlier than the D 2 receptor, being detectable at day 9.5 post‐conception (p.c.), compared with day 13.5 p.c. for the D 2 subtype. We have also examined the mRNA distribution of the two receptors by whole mount in situ hybridisation. In agreement with the PCR assays, the D 3 receptor was expressed earlier than the D 2 subtype. D 3 receptor transcripts were first detected at day 9.5 p.c. in the ventral aspect of the anterior neural tube, whereas D 2 receptor transcripts first appeared a day later. By day 10.5–11.5 p.c. both D 3 and D 2 receptor transcripts were present in the developing forebrain, and later also in the branchial arches and along the prospective vertebral column. The early appearance of the D 3 subtype in murine development and its predominance over the D 2 subtype suggest that the D 3 receptor may have a functional role in prenatal development.