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AII amacrine cells express functional NMDA receptors
1University of Oslo, Department of Neurophysiology, Norway.
Neuroreport
|March 24, 1997
Summary
This study found that NMDA receptors are present in AII amacrine cells in the rat retina. These receptors may play a role in excitatory synaptic transmission to these retinal neurons.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Retinal Physiology
- Synaptic Transmission
Background:
- Fast excitatory synaptic transmission in the central nervous system (CNS) is primarily mediated by NMDA and non-NMDA receptors.
- AII amacrine cells in the mammalian retina receive glutamatergic input from rod bipolar cells and are known to express non-NMDA receptors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression and functional role of NMDA receptors in AII amacrine cells.
- To determine if NMDA receptors contribute to excitatory synaptic input in these retinal neurons.
Main Methods:
- Whole-cell recordings were performed on AII amacrine cells in slices of rat retina.
- Responses to exogenously applied NMDA were recorded.
- The effects of a specific NMDA receptor antagonist were examined.
Main Results:
- Most AII amacrine cells exhibited clear responses to NMDA application.
- These NMDA-induced responses were blocked by an NMDA receptor antagonist.
- The responses showed voltage-dependent block and outward rectification.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest that NMDA receptors are expressed in AII amacrine cells.
- NMDA receptors may play a functional role in mediating excitatory synaptic input to AII amacrine cells.