Expression of GABAB receptors in magnocellular neurosecretory cells of male, virgin female and lactating rats

D. S. Richards, R. M. Villalba, F. J. Alvarez, Javier E. Stern

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

GABA is one of the key neurotransmitters that regulate the firing activity of neurones in the supraoptic (SON) and paraventricular (PVN) nuclei. In the present study, we used immunohistochemical techniques to study the distribution and subcellular localisation of metabotropic GABAB receptors in magnocellular neurones in the SON and PVN. Robust GABAB receptor immunoreactivity (GABABR; both subunit 1 and subunit 2 of the heterodimer), was observed in the SON and PVN. At the light microcope level, GABABR immonoreactivity displayed a clustered pattern localised both intracytoplasmically and at the plasma membrane. Densitometry analysis indicated that GABABR immunoreactivity was significantly more intense in vasopressin cells than in oxytocin cells, both in male, virgin female and lactating rats, and was denser in males than in virgin females. Light and electron microscope studies indicated that cytoplasmic GABABR was localised in various organelles, including the Golgi, early endosomes and lysosomes, suggesting the cycling of the receptor within the endocytic and trafficking pathways. Some smaller clusters at the level of the cell plasma membrane were apposed to glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 immunoreactive boutons, and appeared to be colocalised with gephyrin, a constituent protein of the postsynaptic density at inhibitory synapses. The presence of GABABR immunoreactivity at synaptic and extrasynaptic sites was supported by electron microscopy. These results provide anatomical evidence for the expression of postsynaptic GABAB receptors in magnocellular neurosecretory cells.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)413-423
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Neuroendocrinology
Volume17
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2005
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • GABA
  • Hypothalamus
  • Paraventricular
  • Supraoptic
  • Synaptic

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
  • Endocrinology
  • Endocrine and Autonomic Systems
  • Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Expression of GABAB receptors in magnocellular neurosecretory cells of male, virgin female and lactating rats'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this