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. 2005 May;26(5):815-9.
doi: 10.1016/j.peptides.2004.12.011.

Expression of galanin receptor messenger RNAs in different regions of the rat gastrointestinal tract

Laura Anselmi  1 , Alexander Lakhter, Arlene A Hirano, Marcello Tonini, Catia Sternini
Affiliations

Expression of galanin receptor messenger RNAs in different regions of the rat gastrointestinal tract

Laura Anselmi et al. Peptides. 2005 May.

Abstract

Galanin effects are mediated by three G-protein-coupled receptors: galanin receptor 1 (GalR1), GalR2 and GalR3. We quantified mRNA levels of GalR1, GalR2 and GalR3 in the rat stomach, small and large intestine using real-time RT-PCR. All three GalR mRNAs were detected throughout the gut at different levels. GalR1 and GalR2 mRNA levels were higher in the large than in the small intestine. GalR2 mRNA was most abundant in the stomach. GalR3 mRNA levels were generally quite low. The differential regional distribution of GalRs suggests that the complex effects of galanin in the gut are the result of activating multiple receptor subtypes, whose density, subtype and signaling vary along the gastrointestinal tract.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Expression of GalR1 mRNA in the rat gastrointestinal tract. The mRNA levels in the stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, proximal and distal colon were analyzed with quantitative real-time RT-PCR. The data acquired from each sample were normalized to those of β-actin in each tissue. Relative quantities (RQ) of mRNA were analyzed using the comparative Ct method. Each cDNA sample was amplified in triplicate and all data are expressed as the mean ± S.E.M.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Expression of GalR2 mRNA in different regions of the rat gastrointestinal tract. The levels of GalR2 mRNA were measured by real-time RT-PCR. The data acquired from each sample were normalized to that of β-actin. Relative quantities (RQ) of mRNA were analyzed using the comparative Ct method. Each cDNA sample was amplified in triplicate and all data are expressed as the mean ± S.E.M. *P < 0.05 vs. stomach.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Expression of GalR3 mRNA in different regions of the rat gastrointestinal tract. The levels of GalR3 mRNA were measured by real-time RT-PCR. The data acquired from each sample were normalized to that of β-actin. Relative quantities (RQ) of mRNA were analyzed using the comparative Ct method. Each cDNA sample was amplified in triplicate and all data are expressed as the mean ± S.E.M.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Real-time RT-PCR specificity confirmed by traditional PCR. RT products from different regions of the gastrointestinal tract were used in PCR reactions with GalR1, GalR2 and GalR3 or β-actin primers.
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