Distribution of the neurotensin receptor NTS1 in the rat CNS studied usingan amino-terminal directed antibody

The distribution of neurotensin receptor 1 immunoreactivity in the rat brai n was studied using an antibody against the aminoterminal of the receptor e xpressed as a fusion protein with glutathione-S transferase. Affinity purif ied antibodies detected the fusion protein and the complete neurotensin rec eptor sequence expressed in Escherichia coli. The immunostaining was abolis hed by preabsorption with the amino-terminal fusion protein. Immunoreactive neurotensin receptor 1 immunoreactivity was detected on cell bodies and th eir processes in a number of CNS regions. In agreement with previous bindin g studies neurotensin receptor 1 immunoreactivity was particularly localise d in cell bodies in the basal forebrain, nucleus basalis and substantia nig ra. At the electron microscope level immunoreactivity was found both in axo nal bouton and dendrites and spines in the basal forebrain indicating that neurotensin may act both pre- and post-synaptically. There were several reg ions such as the substantia gelatinosa, ventral caudate-putamen and the lat eral reticular nucleus where the neurotensin receptor 1 positive cells had not previously been reported, indicating that distribution of this receptor is widespread. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.