Segregated expression of AMPA-type glutamate receptors and glutamate transporters defines distinct astrocyte populations in the mouse hippocampus.

ABSTRACT: Recent data have suggested the existence of direct signaling pathways between glial cells and neurons. Here we report the coexistence of distinct types of cells expressing astrocyte-specific markers within the hippocampus that display diverse morphological, molecular, and functional profiles. Usage of transgenic mice with GFAP promoter-controlled enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) expression allowed the identification of astroglial cells after fresh isolation or in brain slices. Combining patch-clamp recordings and single-cell reverse transcription-PCR, we distinguished two morphologically distinct types of EGFP-positive cells, one expressing glutamate transporters and the other expressing ionotropic glutamate receptors. None of the EGFP-positive cells coexpressed glutamate receptor

SUBMITTER: Matthias K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6741945 | biostudies-literature | 2003 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature