We found no significant changes in levels of mRNAs encoding TH, the transcription factors nuclear receptor‐related 1 protein (Nurr1) and LIM homeobox transcription factor 1 beta (Lmxb1), or the dopamine D2 autoreceptors, indicating that diabetes per se did not affect the integrity of these neurons (Fig. 2A,B). Here, NR4A2 is linked to diabetes mellitus.