Chinese Journal of Clinical Anatomy ›› 2020, Vol. 38 ›› Issue (2): 183-188.doi: 10.13418/j.issn.1001-165x.2020.02.016

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Expression of dopamine D1 and D2 receptor in the special visceral motor nuclei of rat and its effect on the level of BDNF

ZHOU Li1, 2, Li Yong1, 2, YANG Yan-li1, 2, RAN Xue-rui1, 2, WANG Zhi-yong1, 2   

  1. 1. Department of Anatomy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan Province, China; 2. Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan Province, China
  • Received:2019-04-23 Online:2020-03-25 Published:2020-04-01

Abstract: Objective To investigate the expression and function of dopamine D1 receptor (DRD1) and D2 receptor (DRD2) in the trigeminal motor nucleus, the facial nucleus, ambiguous nucleus, accessory nucleus of rat. Methods The expression and distribution characteristics of DRD1 and DRD2 in the above 4 nuclei were detected by double staining immunofluorescence. SD rats were randomly divided into three groups: a control group (C), a DRD1 and DRD2 agonist rotigotine group (Roti) and a rotigotine plus DRD2 inhibitor haloperidol group (Roti+halo), each group had 6 rats. The protein expression changes of BDNF and TrkB in trigeminal motor nucleus and the facial nerve were detected by Western blot. Results There were large numbers of DRD1 and DRD2 positive cells in the cholinergic neurons of trigeminal motor nucleus, facial nucleus, ambiguous nucleus and accessory nucleus. Compared with the C group, the expression of BDNF in the trigeminal motor nucleus and facial nucleus increased in Roti group (P<0.05). The expression of BDNF in the facial nucleus decreased in the Roti + halo group when compared with the Roti group (P<0.05). There was no statistical difference in the expression of TrkB among three groups (P>0.05).    Conclusions DRD1 and DRD2 are abundantly expressed in the cholinergic neurons of the above 4 nuclei. Rotigotine may induce BDNF expression in the cholinergic neurons through activating DRD1 and DRD2 dimers.

Key words: Dopamine receptor,  Brain derived neurotrophic factor,  Special visceral motor nuclei,  , Rat

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