Differential localization of NMDA and AMPA receptor subunits in the lateral and basal nuclei of the amygdala: a light and electron microscopic study.

摘要: Anatomical and physiological studies indicate that the amino acid L-glutamate is excitatory transmitter in sensory afferent pathways to amygdala intraamygdala circuits involving lateral basal nuclei. The regional, cellular, subcellular immunocytochemical localizations of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) L-alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate (AMPA), two major classes glutamate receptors, were examined these areas amygdala. A monoclonal antibody a polyclonal antiserum directed against R1 subunit NMDA receptor used. Each immunoreagent produced distinct distributions perikaryal neuropilar staining. Dendritic immunoreactivity was localized primarily asymmetric (excitatory) synaptic junctions, mostly on spines, consistent with conventional view organization function receptors. Whereas anti-NMDAR1 sparse presynaptic axon terminal labeling extensive glial labeling, labeled considerably fewer glia many more terminals. Labeled terminals formed symmetric synapses, suggesting regulation both inhibitory transmission. Immunoreactivity for different subunits AMPA (GluR1, GluR2/3, GluR4) uniquely distributed across neuronal populations, some specific certain cell types. GluR1 Glu2/3 predominantely dendritic shafts than GluR4 due heavy proximal portions dendrites. distribution similar NMDAR1: seen terminals, glia, dendrites spines. localization absence GluR2 suggests glutamate-mediated modulation Ca++ concentrations. These data add our understanding morphological basis pre- postsynaptic transmission mechanisms plasticity