Distribution of NMDAR1 receptor subunit mRNA and [125I]MK-801 binding in the hypothalamus of intact, castrate and castrate-DHTP treated male rats

Brain Res Mol Brain Res. 1995 Jan;28(1):55-60. doi: 10.1016/0169-328x(94)00179-i.

Abstract

This study examines NMDAR1 receptor subunit mRNA expression and [125I]MK-801 binding in hypothalamic and limbic nuclei of intact, castrate and castrate-dihydrotestosterone propionate (DHTP)-treated male rats. In intact rats, the highest levels of NMDAR1 mRNA were observed in the supraoptic, suprachiasmatic, ventromedial and arcuate nuclei. Low levels of hybridization were observed in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, lateral preoptic area, lateral hypothalamic area and lateral septum. In castrated rats both NMDAR1 mRNA and [125I]MK-801 binding are significantly decreased in the lateral septum compared to castrate rats treated with DHTP, a non-aromatizable androgen. NMDAR1 mRNA was also significantly decreased in the supraoptic nucleus of castrate rats when compared to castrate rats treated with DHTP. These data suggest that androgens may modulate NMDA receptor function in some parts of the central nervous system.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Binding Sites
  • Dizocilpine Maleate / pharmacology*
  • Glutamic Acid
  • Hypothalamus / physiology*
  • In Situ Hybridization
  • Iodine Radioisotopes
  • Male
  • N-Methylaspartate / analysis
  • Orchiectomy
  • RNA, Messenger / analysis
  • Rats
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / metabolism
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / physiology*
  • Testis / physiology*

Substances

  • Iodine Radioisotopes
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate
  • Glutamic Acid
  • N-Methylaspartate
  • Dizocilpine Maleate