Differential induction and decay curves of c-fos and zif268 revealed through dual activity maps.

The use of inducible transcription factors for mapping neural activity is now a common procedure. We have previously developed a double-labelling technique that allows visualization of activated neurons after two different stimulation sequences. The technique exploits the differential time course of mRNA versus protein expression of transcription factors. However, the precise details of the differential time course remained unknown. Here, we provide a complete up- and downregulation profile for both the c-fos and zif268 genes, as determined through combined in situ hybridization and immunocytochemical detection of the mRNA and protein products in primary visual cortex. The data presented here can be used in the design of future studies employing double-label mapping of neural activation following a compound stimulus.