Anatomical Neuropharmacology Unit

This is an historical archive of the activities of the MRC Anatomical Neuropharmacology Unit (MRC ANU) that operated at the University of Oxford from 1985 until March 2015. The MRC ANU established a reputation for world-leading research on the brain, for training new generations of scientists, and for engaging the general public in neuroscience. The successes of the MRC ANU are now built upon at the MRC Brain Network Dynamics Unit at the University of Oxford.

Increased muscarinic receptor messenger RNA in Alzheimer's disease temporal cortex demonstrated by in situ hybridization histochemistry.

Brain Res. Mol. Brain Res. 1991;9(1-2):15-21.

Increased muscarinic receptor messenger RNA in Alzheimer's disease temporal cortex demonstrated by in situ hybridization histochemistry.

Harrison PJ, Barton AJ, Najlerahim A, McDonald B, Pearson RC
Abstract:
A 35S-labelled synthetic oligonucleotide directed against part of the mRNA coding for the M1 subtype muscarinic receptor was used for in situ hybridization histochemistry in sections of human temporal cortex. M1 receptor mRNA was found in cell populations throughout the grey matter, especially in pyramidal cells. Quantitative densitometric analysis of autoradiograms was used to compare levels of this mRNA between Alzheimer's disease and controls. A significant (2.7-fold) increase in hybridization signal was found in Alzheimer's disease cases, both in absolute terms and relative to total polyadenylated mRNA as determined by hybridization with an oligodeoxythymidine probe. Elevated levels of muscarinic receptor mRNA may reflect up-regulation of transcription of this gene in response to the cholinergic deficits occurring in the disease.
Research and Techniques: 
Alzheimer Disease
Humans
Nucleic Acid Hybridization
Oligonucleotide Probes
Poly A
RNA, Messenger
Receptors, Muscarinic
Temporal Lobe