Localization of α2C-adrenergic receptor immunoreactivity in catecholaminergic neurons in the rat central nervous system

Given the importance of alpha(2)-adrenergic receptors in the regulation of catecholaminergic transmission, we analysed the distribution of immunoreactivity corresponding to the C-subtype of alpha(2)-adrenergic receptor in central catecholaminergic neurons using double-label immunohistochemistry with antibodies directed against alpha(2C)-adrenergic receptors and tyrosine hydroxylase. Cells exhibiting both alpha(2C)-adrenergic receptor and tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity were found in most areas containing catecholaminergic cell groups. However, the percentage of double-labelled cells varied in a region-specific manner. In the medulla, alpha(2C)-adrenergic receptor immunoreactivity was characteristic of only a minority of cells exhibiting tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity (40-43% in area Al/Cl, 27-36% in area A2/C2, 35% in area C3) while a larger percentage of double-labelled cells was observed in the pens (65% in A5, 92% in locus coeruleus, 68% in A7). In the midbrain, alpha(2C)-adrenegic receptor immunoreactivity was detected in most tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive cells in dopaminergic regions (63% in the retrorubral field, 77-83% in substantia nigra, 67% in ventral tegmental area). These results suggest that alpha(2C)-adrenergic receptors may act as autoreceptors on some central adrenergic and noradrenergic neurons. In addition, the colocalization of alpha(2C)-adrenergic receptor and tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity in dopaminergic cell groups suggests that reported effects of alpha(2)-adrenergic receptor agonists in these areas may be mediated by the C-subtype. (C) 1998 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.