In an attempt to isolate genes involved in the brain development using ordered differential display PCR, we cloned rgpr85 which encodes rat G-protein-coupled receptor with high degree of identity to the amine-like neurotransmitter receptors. This gene was found to be localized at rat chromosome 4q21. In situ hybridization demonstrated that rgpr85 was predominantly expressed in the developing brain and spinal cord. Hybridization signal was especially abundant within the embryonic cortical plates where postmitotic cortical neurons are localized. In the cerebral cortex, the expression of rgpr85 was gradually decreased postnatally and became undetectable by P18. However, weak but significant expression of rgpr85 was maintained in the adult hippocampal formation, olfactory bulb, and cerebellum. Interestingly, rgpr85 expression was transiently induced in the adult hippocampal formation, piriform cortex, and amygdaloid complex by kainic acid (KA) treatment. Thus, dynamic regulation of rgpr85 expression suggests an importance of rgpr85-mediated signaling in the development of cerebral cortex and in the KA-induced responses in the adult brain.