Growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) 1a is the only molecularly identified receptor for ghrelin, mediating ghrelin-related effects on eating, body weight, and blood glucose control, among others. The expression pattern of GHSR within the brain has been assessed previously by several neuroanatomical techniques. However, inherent limitations to these techniques and the lack of reliable anti-GHSR antibodies and reporter rodent models that identify GHSR-containing neurons have prevented a more comprehensive functional characterization of ghrelin-responsive neurons. Here we have systematically characterized the brain expression of an enhanced green fluorescence protein (eGFP) transgene controlled by the Ghsr promoter in a recently reported GHSR reporter mouse. Expression of eGFP in coronal brain sections was compared with GHSR mRNA expression detected in the same sections by in situ hybridization histochemistry. eGFP immunoreactivity was detected in several areas, including the prefrontal cortex, insular cortex, olfactory bulb, amygdala, and hippocampus, which showed no or low GHSR mRNA expression. In contrast, eGFP expression was low in several midbrain regions and in several hypothalamic nuclei, particularly the arcuate nucleus, where robust GHSR mRNA expression has been well-characterized. eGFP expression in several brainstem nuclei showed high to moderate degrees of colocalization with GHSR mRNA labeling. Further quantitative PCR and electrophysiological analyses of eGFP-labeled hippocampal cells confirmed faithful expression of eGFP within GHSR-containing, ghrelin-responsive neurons. In summary, the GHSR-eGFP reporter mouse model may be a useful tool for studying GHSR function, particularly within the brainstem and hippocampus; however, it underrepresents GHSR expression in nuclei within the hypothalamus and midbrain.
Pubmed ID: 24825838 RIS Download
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Digital image processing system where microscope settings and processing steps may be adjusted in single user interface. Can acquire images from variety of cameras. Includes software package for capturing, archiving and preparing images for publication. Allows users to visualize and present images in several dimensions. Functionality of imaging toolbox expands constantly with wide range of different modules that are tailored to specific applications or microscope accessories. This resource is duplicated by SCR_018376
View all literature mentionsThis polyclonal targets Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP)
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View all literature mentionsSoftware suite for electrophysiology data acquisition and analysis by Molecular Devices. Used for the control and recording of voltage clamp, current clamp, and patch clamp experiments. The software suite consists of Clampex 11 Software for data acquisition, AxoScope 11 Software for background recording, Clampfit 11 Software for data analysis, and optional Clampfit Advanced Analysis Module for sophisticated and streamlined analysis.
View all literature mentionsMus musculus with name STOCK Tg(Ghsr-EGFP)KZ65Gsat/Mmucd from MMRRC.
View all literature mentionsMus musculus with name STOCK Tg(Ghsr-EGFP)KZ65Gsat/Mmucd from MMRRC.
View all literature mentionsThis polyclonal targets Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP)
View all literature mentionsThis polyclonal targets Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP)
View all literature mentionsThis polyclonal targets Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP)
View all literature mentions