Differential co-localization of neurokinin-3 receptor and NMDA/AMPA receptor subunits in neurons of the substantia nigra of C57/BL mice.
By using a double immunofluorescence method we examined co-localization of neurokinin-3 receptor (NK-3R) and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)/alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate (AMPA) receptor subunits in neurons of the substantia nigra of adult mice. Overlapping distribution of NMDA receptor subunit 1 (NR1)/AMPA receptor subunits 1-4 (GluR1-4) and NK-3R-immunoreactive neurons were found in the substantia nigra pars compacta. It revealed that all (100%) of NK-3R-positive neurons displayed NR1, GluR2 or GluR3 immunoreactivity, 80% of them showed GluR1 immunoreactivity. In contrast, these neurons exhibiting both NK-3R and GluR4 immunoreactivity were hardly detected although GluR4-positive neurons were still distributed in the substantia nigra. The co-expression of NK-3R and NMDA/AMPA receptor subunits in the nigral neurons has provided a structural basis for functional modulation of neuronal glutamate receptors by neurokinin-3, suggesting that neurokinin peptides may be involved in modulation of neuronal properties and excitotoxicity in the substantia nigra of basal ganglia.
Wang
Yan-Qin
YQ
Institute of Neurosciences, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, P R China.
Hu
Hui-Jing
HJ
Cao
Rong
R
Chen
Liang-Wei
LW
D000818:Animals; D015153:Blotting, Western / Q000379:methods; D002452:Cell Count / Q000379:methods; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism*; D021122:Protein Subunits / Q000378:metabolism; D017470:Receptors, Glutamate / Q000145:classification / Q000378:metabolism*; D018042:Receptors, Neurokinin-3 / Q000378:metabolism*; D013378:Substantia Nigra / Q000166:cytology*
D021122:Protein Subunits; D017470:Receptors, Glutamate; D018042:Receptors, Neurokinin-3