Expression of GABA(A) receptor subunit mRNAs by layer V pyramidal cells of the rat primary visual cortex

The expression of the GABA(A) receptor subunit mRNAs by layer V pyramidal neurons of the primary visual cortex and cerebellar Purkinje cells was analysed by single-cell reverse transcription of the mRNAs and amplification of the resulting cDNAs by the polymerase chain reaction. Neurons were identified by infrared videomicroscopy, and GABA(A)-mediated miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents were recorded. In Purkinje cells, alpha1, beta2, beta3, gamma2S and gamma2L subunit mRNAs were detected within a single cell. In layer V pyramidal cells, a total of ten GABA(A) receptor subunit mRNAs could be detected, with a mean of seven subunit mRNAs per cell, suggesting GABA(A) receptor heterogeneity within a single pyramidal cell.