Regional distinction in age-related changes of preoptic regulatory factor-1 and preoptic regulatory factor-2 mRNA expression in the rat brain

Mol Cell Neurosci. 1994 Aug;5(4):376-81. doi: 10.1006/mcne.1994.1045.

Abstract

Preoptic regulatory factor-1 (porf-1) and preoptic regulatory factor-2 (porf-2) are two novel neuropeptide genes expressed in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues. Other studies have shown that these genes may play a role in steroid-dependent brain development and functions. In this study, nuclease protection assays were employed to investigate Porf-1 and Porf-2 mRNA expression in male rat brains of different ages. The preoptic area (POA), cerebral cortex (CC), and hippocampus (HIPP) expressed both Porf-1 and Porf-2 mRNA, while only Porf-2 mRNA was detectable in the medial basal hypothalamus (MBH). Porf-1 mRNA in the POA was highest at the age of 2 months (young adult), decreased at the age of 6 months (mature adult), and remained low at the ages of 12 (middle aged) and 24 months (aged). Porf-1 mRNA in the CC was also the highest at the age of 2 months and decreased with age. However, there were no age-related changes for Porf-1 mRNA in the HIPP. Porf-2 mRNA in the HIPP was found to be low at the age of 2 months, increased at the ages of 6 and 12 months, and decreased at the age of 24 months. The effect of age on Porf-2 mRNA in the POA was similar to that seen for Porf-1, with the highest expression observed in the 2-month-old rats. There were no age-related Porf-2 mRNA changes in the MBH and CC. These results indicate differential regulation of expression of the porf-1 and porf-2 genes in the MBH, POA, HIPP, and CC. The possible roles of these two genes in maturation and aging of male rats are discussed.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Aging / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Cerebral Cortex / growth & development
  • Cerebral Cortex / metabolism*
  • Gene Expression
  • Genes
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone
  • Hippocampus / growth & development
  • Hippocampus / metabolism*
  • Iodide Peroxidase
  • Male
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics
  • Organ Specificity
  • Preoptic Area / growth & development
  • Preoptic Area / metabolism*
  • RNA, Messenger / biosynthesis*
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • Rats
  • Rats, Inbred F344

Substances

  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Arhgap39 protein, rat
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone
  • iodothyronine deiodinase type II
  • Iodide Peroxidase