Levels of transcription factors AP-2 alpha and AP-2 beta in the brainstem are correlated to monoamine turnover in the rat forebrain

The transcription factors AP-2 alpha and AP-2 beta are implicated to play a n important role during embryonic development of different parts of the bra in, and in targeted regulation of gene expression in the adult brain. Sever al monoaminergic genes have binding sites for AP-2 in regulatory regions. W e have in the present study, analysed the association between AP-2 levels i n the brainstem of rats (n = 9) and monoamine levels in the frontal cortex, septum and hippocampus. Several regionally specific correlations were foun d between AP-2 alpha and AP-2 beta and specific monoamines in the rat foreb rain. The data support our notion that the transcription factor AP-2 family is involved in the regulation of the monoaminergic systems and, therefore, might be involved in the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders. (C ) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.