Expressions of glial glycine transporter 1 and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor in the medial area of nucleus retrofacialis

Objective To investigate the mRNA expressions of glial glycine transporter 1 (GlyT1) and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) genes in the medial area of nucleus retrofacialis (mNRF).Methods Ten neonatal SD rats (aged 0-3 d) were randomly divided into control and experimental groups (n=5); the mNRF "islands" were isolated from the brainstem slices in rats of the experimental group,while trigeminal nucleus surrounding brain tissues were chosen in rats of the control group.GlyT1 and GDNF gene expressions were detected using real time quantitative PCR (RT-PCR).Results The expressions of GlyT1 and GDNF genes in the mNRF "island" were both significantly higher than those in the controls (t=5.112,P=0.000; t=3.532,P=0.003).Conclusion ThemRNA expressions of GlyT1 and GDNF genes are high in the mNRF; however,the roles of them in generation and modulation in rhythmical respiration and the mechanisms between neurons and both GlyT1 and GDNF should be further studied. Key words: Glial cell; Medial area of the nucleus retrofacialis; Respiration