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Distribution of NMDA receptor binding in developing mouse spinal cord
D L Gonzalez1, J L Fuchs, M H Droge
1Department of Biology, Texas Woman's University, Denton 76204.
Neuroscience Letters
|March 19, 1993
Summary
NMDA receptor binding in the developing mouse spinal cord peaks early in life, then matures to adult levels. This transient expression is crucial for sensorimotor development.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Neurochemistry
Background:
- NMDA receptors are vital for spinal sensorimotor processes.
- Previous studies focused on NMDA receptor function in mature spinal cords.
- Limited data exists on NMDA binding during spinal cord development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the developmental expression of NMDA receptors in the mouse lumbar spinal cord.
- To correlate NMDA binding patterns with functional and anatomical maturation of the spinal cord.
Main Methods:
- Autoradiography was used to quantify NMDA-sensitive [3H]glutamate binding in mouse lumbar cord tissue.
- Analysis spanned from early postnatal stages to adulthood.
Main Results:
- NMDA-sensitive glutamate binding showed a transient peak around postnatal days 6-10.
- Receptor differentiation and binding levels increased progressively from day 10 to adulthood.
- Mature binding levels were highest in the substantia gelatinosa and moderate in the dorsomedial dorsal horn.
Conclusions:
- The study reveals a distinct developmental trajectory for NMDA receptor expression in the spinal cord.
- Transient early expression suggests a critical role in neonatal sensorimotor development.
- Findings provide insights into the maturation of spinal sensorimotor circuits.