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Calcium-sensing receptor in the rat hippocampus: a developmental study
N Chattopadhyay1, G Legradi, M Bai
1Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. nchatopad@bics.bwh.harvard.edu
Brain Research. Developmental Brain Research
|May 20, 1997
Summary
The Ca2+-sensing receptor (CaR) is expressed in the rat hippocampus, with levels rising significantly around postnatal day 10. This coincides with the development of long-term potentiation (LTP), suggesting a role for CaR in hippocampal function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- The extracellular Ca2+-sensing receptor (CaR) regulates calcium homeostasis in mammals.
- CaR is present in the brain, where its functions remain largely unknown.
- Calcium is vital for neuronal function, and CaR may influence brain processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the developmental expression of CaR in the rat hippocampus.
- To assess the relationship between CaR expression and the development of hippocampal functions, specifically long-term potentiation (LTP).
Main Methods:
- Northern and Western blot analyses to detect CaR mRNA and protein.
- In situ hybridization histochemistry and immunohistochemistry to localize CaR expression within the hippocampus.
Main Results:
- CaR mRNA and protein levels were low at 5 days postnatally, increasing significantly by 10 days.
- High CaR expression, driven by a 7.5 kb transcript, persisted until 30 days before declining to adult levels.
- CaR was detected in hippocampal pyramidal cells and dentate gyrus granule cells.
Conclusions:
- CaR expression in the rat hippocampus increases concurrently with the onset of LTP induction capacity.
- High CaR levels during rapid brain development suggest a potential role in hippocampal maturation and function.
- Further research is needed to elucidate CaR's specific role in hippocampal development, LTP, and other brain functions.