文摘
We examined the effects of restraint stress on α1 adrenoceptor mRNA expression in the rat brain using reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). After rats had been restrained for 10, 30, 60, 120 or 240 min, the hypothalamus and midbrain were removed immediately and α1 adrenoceptor mRNA levels in these regions were determined by RT-PCR. Blood samples were also collected for simultaneous measurement of serum adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone. Restraint stress resulted in a variety of changes in the hypothalamus and midbrain. In the hypothalamus, 30 and 60 min of stress resulted in a significant fall in the level of α1 adrenoceptor mRNA relative to the control. This was associated with a rise in serum ACTH and corticosterone. In the midbrain, significant elevation of α1 adrenoceptor mRNA was noted after 60, 120 and 240 min of restraint stress. Our findings indicated that the influence of restraint stress on α1 adrenoceptor mRNA level in the hypothalamus is different to that of the midbrain region in rats.