Localization of neurofilament protein mRNA in rat trigeminal ganglion byin situ hybridization at light and electron microscopic levels

Abstract

By use ofin situ hybridization with a35S-labeled oligonucleotide probe, the mRNA for neurofilament protein was localized to the trigeminal ganglion cells of rats. The result was visualized with radioautography at both light and electron microscopic levels. For the latter purpose, the cryostat sections were treated forin situ hybridization prior to embedding in epoxy resin. The presence or absence of detergent in the hybridization solution proved to be critical for the electron-microscopicin situ hybridization in terms of the signal/background ratio and ultrastructural integrity.