Expression analysis of neuropeptide FF receptors on neuroendocrine-related neurons in the rat brain using highly sensitive in situ hybridization

This study aimed to determine the detailed histological distribution of mRNA that encodes the neuropeptide FF receptors (Npffr1 andNpffr2) in the rat brain using in situ hybridization. Neurons with strongNpffr1 expression were observed in the lateral septal nucleus and several hypothalamic areas related to neuroendocrine functions, including the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and arcuate nucleus, whereasNpffr2-expressing neurons were observed mainly in brain regions involved in somatosensory pathways, such as several subnuclei of the thalamus.Npffr1 expression was observed in 70% of corticotropin-releasing hormone neurons, but in only a small population of oxytocin and vasopressin neurons in the PVN.Npffr1 expression was also observed in the dopaminergic neurons in the periventricular nucleus and the dorsal arcuate nucleus, and in the kisspeptin neurons in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus. These results suggest that NPFFR1-mediated signaling may be involved in neuroendocrine functions, such as in reproduction and stress response. In conjunction with a detailed histological map of NPFFRs, this study provides useful data for future neuroendocrine research.
Source: Histochemistry and Cell Biology - Category: Biomedical Science Source Type: research