Messenger RNA from human brain induces drug- and voltage-operated channels in Xenopus oocytes

Abstract
Na channels and receptors to serotonin and kainate were transplanted from human brain into frog oocytes, by isolating mRNA from a fetal brain, and injecting it into X. laevis oocytes. The mRNA was translated by the oocyte and induced the appearance of functional receptors and channels in its membrane. This approach renders drug- and voltage-operated channels of the human brain more amenable to detailed study.