Vesicular glutamate transporters in the lateral geniculate nucleus: expression of VGLUT2 by retinal terminals

Brain Res. 2004 Jan 23;996(2):251-4. doi: 10.1016/j.brainres.2003.10.032.

Abstract

We used immunohistochemistry to localize vesicular glutamate transporters VGLUT1 and VGLUT2 in the rat lateral geniculate nucleus. The lateral geniculate nucleus is intensely immunoreactive for both transporters. Monocular eye removal abolished staining for VGLUT2 in a pattern corresponding to the distribution of terminals from the missing eye, without affecting distribution of VGLUT1 immunoreactivity. These data indicate retinal ganglion cells are the source of VGLUT2-containing synapses in the lateral geniculate nucleus.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism
  • Carrier Proteins / ultrastructure*
  • Eye Enucleation
  • Geniculate Bodies / cytology*
  • Geniculate Bodies / metabolism
  • Geniculate Bodies / ultrastructure
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Membrane Transport Proteins*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Long-Evans
  • Retinal Ganglion Cells / metabolism
  • Retinal Ganglion Cells / ultrastructure*
  • Synapses / metabolism
  • Synapses / ultrastructure*
  • Vesicular Glutamate Transport Protein 1
  • Vesicular Glutamate Transport Protein 2
  • Vesicular Transport Proteins*

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Membrane Transport Proteins
  • Slc17a6 protein, rat
  • Slc17a7 protein, rat
  • Vesicular Glutamate Transport Protein 1
  • Vesicular Glutamate Transport Protein 2
  • Vesicular Transport Proteins