Localization and developmental expression of GABA(B) receptors in the rat olfactory bulb

In this study, we investigated the distribution and developmental expression of the GABA(B) receptor subunits, GABA(B1) and GABA(B2), in the main and accessory olfactory bulbs of the rat. Antibodies raised against these subunits strongly labelled the glomerular layer, suggesting that olfactory and vomeronasal nerve fibers express functional GABA(B) receptors. Using postembedding immunogold cytochemistry, we found that GABA(B) receptors can be present at both extrasynaptic and presynaptic sites of olfactory nerve terminals, and in the latter case they are preferentially associated with the peripheral part of the synaptic specialization. Olfactory nerve fibers expressed GABA(B1) and GABA(B2) at early developmental stages, suggesting that GABA(B) receptors may play a role in olfactory development. Output and local neurons of the main and accessory olfactory bulbs were also labelled for GABA(B1) and GABA(B2), although the subcellular distribution patterns of the two subunits were not completely overlapping. These results indicate that presynaptically located GABA(B) receptors modulate neurotransmitter release from olfactory and vomeronasal nerve fibers and that, in addition to this presynaptic role, GABA(B) receptors may regulate neuronal excitability in infraglomerular circuits.