[Expression of NR2A in rat auditory cortex after sound insulation and auditory plasticity].
OBJECTIVE
To study the changes of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor subunit 2A (NR2A) expression at local synapses in auditory cortices after early postnatal sound insulation and tone exposure.


METHODS
We prepared highly purified synaptosomes from primary auditory cortex by Optiprep flotation gradient centrifugations, and compared the differences of NR2A expression in sound insulation PND14, PND28, PND42 and Tone exposure after sound insulation for 7 days by Western blotting.


RESULTS
The results showed that the NR2A protein expression of PND14 and PND28 decreased significantly (P<0.05). Tone exposure after sound insulation for 7 days, mSIe NR2A protein level increased significantly (P<0.05). It showed bidirectional regulation of NR2A protein. No significant effects of sound insulation and lone exposure were found on the relative expression level of NR2A of PND42 (P>0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The results indicate that sound insulation and experience can modify the protein expression level of NR2A during the critical period of rat postnatal development. These findings provide important data for the study on the mechanisms of the developmental plasticity of sensory functions.
Xia
Yin
Y
Department of Otolaryngology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China.
Long
Haishan
H
Han
Demin
D
Gong
Shusheng
S
Lei
Li
L
Shi
Jinfeng
J
Fan
Erzhong
E
Li
Ying
Y
Zhao
Qing
Q
D000161:Acoustic Stimulation; D000818:Animals; D001303:Auditory Cortex / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / Q000378:metabolism*; D013569:Synapses / Q000378:metabolism*
C120997:NR2A NMDA receptor; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate