Expression of osteopontin mRNA in the adult rat brain

Examining the distribution of osteopontin (OPN) in the rat brain using in s itu hybridization, it was found that OPN mRNA was restricted to likely neur ons in the olfactory bulb and the brain stem; it was not detected in the te lencephalon and the diencephalon. In addition, Northern blot analysis showe d a confined expression only in the brain stem with higher level in the pen s and the medulla than in the mid brain. In the brain stem, it was found in functionally diverse areas including motor-related areas, sensory system a nd reticular formation. This specific but widespread distribution suggests that OPN may play an important role in the adult rat brain. (C) 1999 Elsevi er Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.