Localization of neuropeptide receptor mRNA in rat brain: initial observations using probes for neurotensin and substance P receptors.

The expression of receptors for neurotensin and substance P was examined in rat brain and spinal cord using in situ hybridization with synthetic oligonucleotide probes. Strong hybridization signals for neurotensin receptor mRNA were observed over neurons i.a. in the diagonal band, medial septal nucleus, nucleus basalis magnocellularis, suprachiasmatic nucleus, supramammillary area, substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area. Strong hybridization signals for substance P receptor mRNA were observed over scattered, large neurons in the striatum, and in the spinal cord over neurons in the dorsal horn, the area around the central canal and preganglionic autonomic neurons. Thus, discrete neurons in several brain regions express a G-protein-coupled receptor with which endogenous neurotensin and substance P may interact.