Opioidergic and dopaminergic gene expression in the caudate-putamen and accumbens of the mutant mouse, tottering (tg/tg)

Expression of preproenkephalin, dynorphin and D-2 dopamine receptor mRNAs was examined in selected regions of the forebrain of homozygous and heterozygous tottering mice, using in situ hybridization histochemistry. Homozygous tottering mice carry an autosomal recessive mutation causing them to exhibit petit mal-like epilepsy. Preproenkephalin mRNA levels were significantly higher in the lateral caudate and the core of the nucleus accumbens of homozygous tottering mice compared to wild-type controls. No differences were observed in the expression of dynorphin and D-2 receptor mRNA distribution in brain regions examined in the mutant mice as compared to wild-type controls. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.