Differential expression of mouse orexin receptor type-2 (OX2R) variants in the mouse brain.

We have identified two novel mouse orexin type-2 receptor (OX2R) splice variants: OX2alphaR and OX2betaR. Here, we have mapped in detail the differential gene expression of OX2alphaR and OX2betaR in the mouse brain. Using RT-PCR and in situ hybridization, we show that OX2alphaR is expressed in various areas of the mouse brain and has low expression in caudal part of cerebellum. OX2betaR is expressed in detectable levels, with the exception of striatum, midbrain and anterior part of cerebellum/pons. Our novel findings demonstrate the differential expression of OX2R splice variants in the mouse brain.