Cyclic nucleotide-gated cation channel expression in embryonic chick brain

Cyclic nucleotide-gated cation channels mediate sensory transduction in ver tebrate photoreceptors and olfactory epithelium. These channels are also pr esent in some non-sensory cells, but little is known of their physiological roles outside sensory systems. Using in situ hybridization we found that c yclic nucleotide channel mRNA is expressed specifically in the embryonic ch icken forebrain, thalamus, optic tectum, basal midbrain and hindbrain, as w ell as in the branchial arches, limb buds and skin. Cyclic nucleotide gated channels may thus contribute to development or to cellular differentiation in the brain and in other tissues. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All righ ts reserved.