Methods in Neurosciences

The study of gene expression in neural tissue brings to bear some of the newest and most productive scientific technology to one of the most exciting and fastest growing areas. This volume describes methods for the study of the expression of specific genes frequently found in very low abundance.;The key features and benefits of this volume include: convenient benchtop format; methods presented for easy adaptation to new systems; comprehensive protocols included for in situ hybridization, comparison of in situ and immuno-chemical methods for the study of regulatory molecules; gene transfer; the study of the regulation of gene expression; the enhancer trap method; quantifying rare mRNAs; isolation and use of cell lines; the homology approach for receptor cloning; trouble shooting. Specific protocols included for the assessment of the expression of the following genes: calbindin, corticotrop in-releasing hormone, cytokines and neurotrophic factors, dystropin, FMRF amide, glucose transporter, insulin-like growth factor interphotoreceptor retinoid binding protein, muscarinic acetylcholine receptor, neuropeptide Y, neurotrophin receptor, nerve growth factor and its receptor, and proopiomelanocort in (POMC), and weaver.