Metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype-1α (mGluR1α) immunoreactivity in ependymal cells of the rat caudal medulla oblongata and spinal cord

Abstract

Immunohistochemical study of the distribution of glutamate receptor subunits 1-4 (GluR1-4), NMDA receptor subunit 1 and metabotropic glutamate receptor subtypes 1-3 (mGluR1-3) in the ependymal cells of the caudal medulla oblongata and upper thoracic spinal cord was carried out. The results showed that ependymal cells and tanycytes expressed only the metabotropic receptor subtype, mGluR1α. Some of the mGluR1α-positive long basal processes of the tanycytes reached the pia mater; some made contact with capillaries. It was suggested that the activity of these mGluR1α-positive tanycytes may be regulated by the glutamate in both the CSF and blood. The presence of many mGluR1α-positive fibres in the area postrema suggests that mGluR1α subtype in this region may be involved in cardiovascular regulation.