J Genet Med.  2007 Dec;4(2):179-185.

Effect of immobilization stress on the expression of TH, BDH and CRH gene in rat brain

• Qian YR
• Kim YS

Abstract

PURPOSE: Catecholamines are the neuro-transmitters in the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and are activated by stress stimulus. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and Dopamine-beta-Hydroxylase (DBH) are very important enzymes in the catecholamine synthesis. Corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) is released in the process of reacting to stresses. The aim of this study is to find out what effects immobilization stresses have on the expression of TH, BDH and CRH mRNA in a rat's brains.
METHODS
We compare expression levels in rat's brains of TH, DBH and CRH mRNA induced by immobilization stresses between the test group and controled group. The expression levels of TH, DBH and CRH mRNA are measured by RT-PCR and the Western Blotting Analysis (WBA).
RESULTS
In brains and adrenal glands of the immobilization stress group, the expression levels of TH and DBH mRNAs are significantly two to three times higher (P<0.01), and CRH mRNAs are approximately one and a half times higher (P<0.05) than those of controlled group.
CONCLUSION
This study suggest that the expression levels of TH, DBH and CRH mRNAs are activated by stress stimulus in a rat's brains and adrenal glands.

Keyword

Immobilization stress; TH; DBH and CRH mRNAs

MeSH Terms

Adrenal Glands
Animals
Blotting, Western
Brain*
Catecholamines
Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone
Immobilization*
Rats*
RNA, Messenger
Sympathetic Nervous System
Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase
Catecholamines
Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone
RNA, Messenger
Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase