Tg(RP23-268L19-EGFP)2Mik

The transgene consists of the bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clone 268L19 from the RP23 mouse genomic library, which contains the cholinesterase acetyltransferase (Chat) gene, in whose first intron resides the Sl18a3 (solute carrier family 18 (vesicular monoamine)) gene encoding the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT); ~78 kb of 5' and ~36 kb of 3' flanking DNA; and, inserted in place of the Chat translation initiation codon in exon 3, the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) gene followed by a polyadenylation signal. EGFP fluorescence is observed in cell bodies and processes of cholinergic neurons of both the central and peripheral nervous systems, including somatic motor and sensory neurons, parasympathetic neurons of various peripheral organ systems, and ganglionic neurons. Individual neuromuscular junctions of cardiac, skeletal and smooth muscle can be visualized. Individual gastrointestinal and respiratory mucosal epithelial cells and some associated lymphocytes also fluoresce. (J:114554)