RIBOSOMAL RNA PRECURSORS IN NEURONAL AND GLIAL RAT BRAIN NUCLEI

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Abstract
Abstract– The method of Thompson (1973) for isolation and fractionation of brain nuclei was modified by the introduction of 12mM‐Mg2+ in the isolating media. This technique gives a good yield of pure (85‐90%) neuronal and glial rat brain nuclei, with minimal disruption of nuclei and degradation or processing of nuclear RNA. The RNA/DNA ratio of neuronal nuclei is about 3‐fold higher than that of glial nuclei. Analysis of nucleolar RNA fractions by urea‐agar gel electrophoresis allows the identification of 45S, 41S, 39S, 36S, 32S and 21S pre‐rRNA components. The pattern of nucleolar pre‐rRNA and rRNA species in neuronal and glial nuclei is identical. These results demonstrate the existence in brain nuclei of multiple pre‐rRNA processing pathways qualitatively similar to those observed in other animal tissues.