Nogo-66 receptor at the gap junctions between pituicytes of the rat

Neuroreport. 2006 Apr 24;17(6):605-9. doi: 10.1097/00001756-200604240-00010.

Abstract

Nogo-66 receptor was first identified in neurons. Recently, it was demonstrated in glial cells as well. Our previous study on the expression of Nogo-66 receptor in the cerebellum of the rat surprisingly found its location at the glial gap junctions. Here, we present our study on Nogo-66 receptor in the rat posterior pituitary, which is densely packed with pituicytes, a special type of astrocyte, and is known to be rich in gap junctions. We were able to demonstrate with immunohistochemistry and immuno-electron microscopy abundant Nogo-66 receptor immunoreactive gap junctions between pituicytes. This study, together with our prior one, strongly suggests that the Nogo-66 receptor may play a role in regulating the function of the gap junctions.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blotting, Western / methods
  • Connexin 43 / metabolism
  • GPI-Linked Proteins
  • Gap Junctions / metabolism*
  • Gap Junctions / ultrastructure
  • Immunohistochemistry / methods
  • Microscopy, Immunoelectron / methods
  • Myelin Proteins / metabolism*
  • Nogo Receptor 1
  • Pituitary Gland, Posterior / cytology*
  • RNA, Messenger / biosynthesis
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / metabolism*
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods

Substances

  • Connexin 43
  • GPI-Linked Proteins
  • Myelin Proteins
  • Nogo Receptor 1
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Rtn4r protein, rat