DETECTION OF MESSENGER-RNAS AND ALTERNATIVELY SPLICED TRANSCRIPTS OF DOPAMINE-RECEPTORS IN RAT PERIPHERAL SENSORY AND SYMPATHETIC-GANGLIA

The presence of mRNAs for dopamine receptor subtypes and dopamine tran sporter in rat peripheral sensory and sympathetic ganglia was investig ated using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing. Dopamin e D-1, D-2, D-3, D-5 receptor subtype mRNAs and dopamine transporter m RNA were detected in both superior cervical sympathetic ganglia (SCG) and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) in the rat; the expression of D-4 mRNA w as only detected in DRG. While two alternatively spliced isoforms of D -2 were detected in both ganglia, the alternative splicing transcripts for D-3 and D-4 were only found in the DRG. These results are useful in further studying the roles of dopamine and the effects of dopaminer gic agents in the peripheral nervous system. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.