Abstract
Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) gene transcripts were demonstrated by RNA blot hybridization using VIP-specific RNA hybridization probes. High levels of expression were observed as early as in 16-day-old embryos. In aging rats, the VIP-mRNA levels were reduced significantly (in the cerebral cortex) as compared to 21-day-old rats. Our results suggest a role for the VIP gene protein products during embryonal development. During aging processes the decrease in VIP gene transcripts may be a consequence of either a reduction in the transcriptional activity of VIP neurons or death of VIP-producing cells.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 27-31 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Neuroendocrinology |
| Volume | 47 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 1988 |
| Externally published | Yes |