BASAL FOREBRAIN NEURONS ADJACENT TO THE GLOBUS-PALLIDUS COEXPRESS GABAERGIC AND CHOLINERGIC MARKER MESSENGER-RNAS

SEMI-QUANTITATIVE single cell RT-PCR techniques were used to determine the expression of mRNAs related to GABAergic and cholinergic neurotra nsmission in neurons of the rat globus pallidus and adjacent basal for ebrain region. Neurons of the globus pallidus expressed relatively hig h levels of GAD67 and GABA vesicular transporter mRNA but undetectable levels of ChAT or ACh vesicular transporter mRNA. In contrast, nomina lly basal forebrain neurons co-expressed ChAT and GAD67 mRNAs and mRNA s for both ACh and GABA vesicular transporters. These results suggest that the neurons along the medial border of the globus pallidus may co -release GABA and ACh. (C) 1998 Rapid Science Ltd.