Localization of AMPA-selective glutamate receptor subunits in the cat retina: a light- and electron-microscopic study

Vis Neurosci. 1999 Jan-Feb;16(1):169-77. doi: 10.1017/s0952523899161121.

Abstract

The distribution of AMPA-selective glutamate receptor subunits was studied in the cat retina using antisera against GluR1 and GluR2/3. Both antisera were localized in postsynaptic sites in the outer plexiform layer (OPL) as well as the inner plexiform layer (IPL). Immunoreactivity for GluR1 was seen in a subpopulation of OFF cone bipolar cells and a number of amacrine and ganglion cells. Within the IPL, processes staining for GluR1 received input from OFF and ON cone bipolar cells but not from rod bipolars. Labeling for GluR2/3 was seen in horizontal cells, an occasional cone bipolar cell, and numerous amacrine and ganglion cells. In the IPL, GluR2/3 staining was postsynaptic to cone bipolar cells in both sublaminae. AII amacrine cells which receive rod bipolar input were also labeled for GluR2/3. With both antisera, staining was limited to a single member of the bipolar dyad complex, providing morphological evidence for functional diversity in glutamatergic pathways.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cats
  • Interneurons / metabolism
  • Microscopy, Immunoelectron
  • Neurons / metabolism*
  • Neurons / ultrastructure
  • Receptors, AMPA / metabolism*
  • Retina / metabolism*
  • Retina / ultrastructure
  • Retinal Ganglion Cells / metabolism

Substances

  • Receptors, AMPA