Relative density of 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor subtype mRNAs in female rat neuroendocrine brain determined by in situ hybridization histochemistry

Abstract

The relative distribution and density of three 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptor subtype mRNAs in female rat brain were investigated by in situ hybridization histochemistry using 36S-labeled riboprobes. Special attention was focused on the hypothalamus and other parts of the brain involved in neuroendocrine control. Perikarya of the diagonal band of Broca (DBB), medial septum (MS), medial preoptic area (MPOA), and ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMH) contained high concentrations of 5-HT2 receptor mRNA, only moderate amounts of 5-HT1A receptor mRNA, and variable amounts of 5-HTP1c receptor mRNA. 5-HT1c receptor mRNA content was high in certain neurons of the lateral septum. The suprachi..