Hello science community,

I'm looking for an immediate early gene that is expressed by dopaminergic (Th+) neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta.

I tried c-fos 1.5h after an open field test and while it works nicely in the striatum and cortex (and other brain areas), I was surprised to not find any Th+ neurons co-expressing c-fos. Does anyone know whether there is a different c-fos form or a different immediate early gene that I could stain immunohistochemically to see Th+ neurons that have been active?

Thanks a lot in advance!

Cheers,

Frederike