[Analysis of molecular basis of neuronal properties using the patch-clamp RT-PCR method]

The AMPA-type glutamate receptor mediates fast neurotransmission in most of the excitatory synapses in the brain. Expression studies of the AMPA receptor subunits, GluR1-GluR4, have shown that the functional properties of AMPA receptors, such as rectification and Ca2+ permeability, are determined by their subunit composition. To analyze the molecular basis of functional properties of AMPA receptors at the single neuron level, we have combined the whole-cell patch clamp recording with the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (patch-clamp RT-PCR method). Using this method, we have demonstrated that expression of the GluR2 subunit determines rectification properties and Ca2+ permeability of AMPA receptors in different types of neurons. The patch-clamp RT-PCR technique will be useful for a wide range of physiological studies to elucidate the molecular basis of functional properties at the single cell level.