Protocol for detection of mRNAs on cryosections of the cardiovascular system using DIG-labeled RNA probes. Protocol was optimized from a protocol using 35S-labeled RNA probes. It allows to detect the expression of low abundant mRNAs in the cardiovascular system, e.g. of the proinflammatory cytokine GM-CSF in normal human coronary arteries, and of IL6 and gp130 in human failing hearts. The protocol can be combined with immunohistochemistry.