Analysis of Gene Expression in Striatal Tissue by Multiprobe RNase Protection Assay

Studies of RNA expression within the central nervous system (CNS) have contributed significantly to increased understanding of both the acute and long-term neurological effects of drugs of abuse. Before beginning such an investigation, however, one must first determine the method of RNA analysis most applicable to the problem at hand. The four most commonly used techniques include in situ hybridization, Northern blot, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and ribonuclease (RNase) protection assay. Each method has its own strengths and limitations, and these factors must be evaluated carefully to determine the method most appropriate for the given problem.