Laser microdissection as a new tool to investigate site-specific gene expression in enteric ganglia of the human intestine

Abstract

Laser microdissection combined with real-time RT-PCR is a novel technique to reliably detect and quantify site-specific expression of low-abundance mRNAs (e.g. growth factors, neurotransmitter receptors) related to the human enteric nervous system. This technical approach expands the spectrum of available tools to characterize enteric neuropathologies underlying human gastrointestinal motility disorders at the molecular biological level.