Analysis of dissociated single neurons by simple and semi-quantitative RT-PCR (Reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction)

We have developed a simple and semi-quantitative method for mRNA determination in single cells using the reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The distinct features of this method are the highly efficient RNA harvest from whole dissociated cells and the ability to perform all RT procedures in one tube that allowed semi-quantitative determination of mRNA in dissociated cells. This method revealed that histamine H₁-receptor mRNA was highly expressed in 5/28 small and 1/26 large dorsal root ganglion neurons of the mouse.