Expression of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor genes in the developing chick visual system

• Published in: The EMBO journal Vol. 9; no. 4; pp. 1021 - 1026
• Main Authors: Matter, J.M., Matter‐Sadzinski, L., Ballivet, M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing Group 01-04-1990
• Subjects: Animals; Biological and medical sciences; Blotting, Northern; Chick Embryo; Eye - embryology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Gene expression; Gene Expression Regulation; Molecular and cellular biology; Molecular genetics; Mutation; Neurons - physiology; Nucleic Acid Hybridization; Receptors, Nicotinic - genetics; Reference Values; Retina - embryology; Retina - metabolism; RNA - genetics; RNA - isolation & purification; RNA, Messenger - analysis; RNA, Messenger - genetics; Superior Colliculi - embryology; Superior Colliculi - metabolism; Transcription, Genetic; Embryonic development; Molecular hybridization; Synaptogenesis; In situ; Optic tectum; Gene expression; Northern blotting; Vertebrata; Cholinergic receptor; Neurotransmitter; Acetylcholine; Chicken; Aves; Nicotinic receptor
• ISSN: 0261-4189; 1460-2075
• DOI: 10.1002/j.1460-2075.1990.tb08205.x

Expression of the neuronal non‐alpha nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (n alpha nAChR) gene is transiently stimulated in the chick optic tectum between embryonic days 7 and 16 with a peak value reached around embryonic day 12. This stimulation takes place at the time when optic nerve axons are invading this region of the brain and proceeds along a rostral to caudal gradient. Transcripts of the n alpha nAChR gene are localized in the superficial layers of the tectum at the time when cells in these layers are forming synapses with retina axons. The transient expression of n alpha nAChR gene does not take place in the optic tectum of ‘eyeless’ embryos. The results of our study suggest that the neuronal n alpha nAChR gene may play a role in neurogenesis of retino‐tectal connections.