Utilization of a two-standard system in real-time PCR for quantification of gene expression in the brain

In this study, we applied for real-time PCR the two-standard system that we had worked out previously for PCR with gel-detection of products. Genomic DNA of a known concentration was used as external standard and mRNA of the DNA-dependent RNA-polymerase II was used as internal standard. It was shown that PCR with gel-detection of products and real-time PCR provide similar results and demonstrate almost identical accuracy and repeatability when the two-standard system is used. With the help of the both methods and using the two-standard system we have confirmed the link between the genetically determined freezing reaction in mice and reduced 5-HT_1A receptor mRNA level in the midbrain. We have also found that the genetically determined freezing reaction in mice is not connected with changes in Tph2 gene expression.