Urocortin mRNA is expressed in the enteric nervous system of the rat

The expression of the urocortin gene in the gastrointestinal tract was inve stigated using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and in situ hybridization histochemistry. PCR demonstrated the presence of uro cortin mRNA in the rat brain, duodenum, small intestine, and colon. By in s itu hybridization, urocortin-containing cells were exclusively localized to the submucosal plexus and myenteric plexus in the duodenum, small intestin e and colon. These results suggest that urocortin may play an important rol e in the regulation of gastrointestinal motor function throughout the enter ic nervous system. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserv ed.