Nicotinic AChR in subclassified capsaicin-sensitive and -insensitive nociceptors of the rat DRG.

Nociceptive cells of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) were subclassified, in vitro, according to patterns of voltage-activated currents. The distribution and form of nicotinic ACh receptors (nAChRs) were determined. nAChRs were present on both capsaicin-sensitive and -insensitive nociceptors but were not universally present in unmyelinated nociceptors.

Hypertension-linked decrease in the expression of brain gamma-adducin.

Gene profiling data coupled with adducin polymorphism studies led us to hypothesize that decreased expression of this cytosolic protein in the brain could be a key event in the central control of hypertension. Thus, our objectives in the present study were to (1) determine which adducin subunit gene demonstrates altered expression in the hypothalamus and brainstem (two cardioregulatory-relevant brain areas) in two genetic strains of hypertensive rats and (2) analyze the role of adducins in neurotransmission at the cellular level. All three adducin subunits (alpha, beta, and gamma) were present in the hypothalamus and brainstem of Wistar Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive (SH) rats.

Obligatory role of protein kinase Cbeta and MARCKS in vesicular trafficking in living neurons.

Neurotransmitter release from neurons involves both vesicular trafficking and subsequent fusion of synaptic vesicles with the plasma membrane. The mechanisms involving the formation and fusion of vesicles that allow the exocytotic release of transmitters are understood well. Little is known, however, about the signaling mechanism involved in the trafficking of vesicles along the neurites.