Orexin-A in the human brain and tumor tissues of ganglioneuroblastoma and neuroblastoma

Peptides. 2000 Apr;21(4):565-70. doi: 10.1016/s0196-9781(00)00184-4.

Abstract

Regional distribution of orexin-A-like immunoreactivity in the human brain and pituitary, and the presence of orexin-A-like immunoreactivity in the tumor tissues of pheochromocytomas, ganglioneuroblastomas and neuroblastomas were studied by radioimmunoassay. Expression of orexin mRNA was studied by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Orexin-A-like immunoreactivity was detected in every region of human brain, but not in the pituitary. The highest concentration of orexin-A-like immunoreactivity in the human brain was found in hypothalamus (17.8 +/- 4.3 pmol/g wet weight, mean +/- SEM, n = 7), followed by thalamus, medulla oblongata, and pons. Orexin-A-like immunoreactivity was detected in the tumor tissues of ganglioneuroblastoma and neuroblastoma, but not in the tumor tissues of pheochromocytoma. Reverse phase high performance liquid chromatographic analyses of the orexin-A-like immunoreactivity in the human brain extracts and neuroblastoma extracts showed a single immunoreactive peak, which was eluted in an identical position to synthetic human orexin-A. Orexin mRNA was expressed in the hypothalamus and in the tumor tissues of ganglioneuroblastoma and neuroblastoma. These findings suggest that orexin-A is produced in the hypothalamus and transported to various brain regions via axons. In addition, this study has shown for the first time the production of orexin-A by ganglioneuroblastomas and neuroblastomas.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Brain / metabolism*
  • Brain Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Carrier Proteins / analysis
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism*
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Female
  • Ganglioneuroblastoma / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuroblastoma / metabolism*
  • Neuropeptides / analysis
  • Neuropeptides / metabolism*
  • Orexins
  • Pheochromocytoma / metabolism*
  • Pituitary Gland / metabolism
  • RNA, Messenger / analysis
  • Radioimmunoassay
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • HCRT protein, human
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Neuropeptides
  • Orexins
  • RNA, Messenger