RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Cytochrome P450 1B1 mRNA in the human central nervous system. JF Molecular Pathology JO Mol Pathol FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Association of Clinical Pathologists SP 138 OP 142 DO 10.1136/mp.51.3.138 VO 51 IS 3 A1 C R Rieder A1 D B Ramsden A1 A C Williams YR 1998 UL http://mp.bmj.com/content/51/3/138.abstract AB AIMS: To study the expression of CYP1B1 in a variety of human and rat cell lines as a means of identifying a new tool for the investigation of gene regulation. In addition, to identify the expression of cytochrome P450 1B1 (CYP1B1) in different regions of the central nervous system (CNS). METHODS: Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction followed by cloning and sequencing were used to detect the expression of CYP1B1 in human cell lines. Poly A+ mRNA from the human spinal cord and from different brain regions was analysed using a CYP1B1 probe labelled with 32PdCTP. RESULTS: Expression of CYP1B1 was shown in a human astrocytoma cell line (MOG-G-CCM). CYP1B1 mRNA was expressed in a variety of regions of the CNS but with a distinct regional specificity. Expression was highest in the putamen. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of CYP1B1 in a human astrocytoma enables this cell line to be used in further studies of regulation and function of this gene. The demonstration that CYP1B1 mRNA is expressed in a variety of regions of the CNS suggests a role for this gene in brain and spinal cord metabolism. The regional specificity of expression might explain the focal damage of certain human neurodegenerative diseases.