Differential expression of glycine receptor subunits in the retina of the rat: a study using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization.

Abstract

Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization were used to study the distribution of glycine receptor (GlyR) subunits and the GlyR-associated protein gephyrin in the rat retina. Monoclonal antibodies against the alpha and beta subunits of the GlyR and gephyrin showed a strong punctate labeling pattern in the inner plexiform layer. Glycine receptor mRNAs were found in the inner nuclear layer and the ganglion cell layer. The alpha 1 subunit mRNA is predominantly present in the outer half of the INL and on some but not all ganglion cells. GlyR alpha 2 subunit mRNA is predominantly present in the inner half of the INL and on nearly all cells in the ganglion cell layer. GlyR alpha 3-, GlyR beta-, and gephyrin-mRNAs are present in the entire INL and in cells in the ganglion cell layer. The differential expression of glycine receptor subunits indicates a functional diversity of glycine receptors in the retina.

• Authors: U Greferath, J H Brandstätter, H Wässle, J Kirsch, J Kuhse, U Grünert
• Journal: Visual neuroscience (Vis Neurosci) 1994 Jul-Aug Vol. 11 Issue 4 Pg. 721-9 ISSN: 0952-5238 [Print] England
• PMID: 7918222 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Carrier Proteins
• Membrane Proteins
• RNA, Messenger
• Receptors, Glycine
• gephyrin

Topics

• Animals
• Carrier Proteins (analysis)
• Fluorescent Antibody Technique
• Gene Expression
• In Situ Hybridization
• Interneurons (chemistry)
• Membrane Proteins (analysis)
• RNA, Messenger (analysis)
• Rats
• Receptors, Glycine (analysis)
• Retina (chemistry)
• Retinal Ganglion Cells (chemistry)