Membrane depolarization and the expression of glutamate receptors in cerebellar granule cells

Eur J Pharmacol. 1991 Aug 29;201(2-3):247-50. doi: 10.1016/0014-2999(91)90354-s.

Abstract

The functional expression of glutamate receptors in cerebellar granule cells in culture was examined using the whole-cell patch clamp technique. All the cells tested responded with an inward current to superfusion with glutamate, kainate, or alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate. Neurones cultured in a medium containing an elevated K+ concentration (25 mM) responded to N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) provided they were simultaneously exposed to glycine (Gly). In contrast, NMDA/Gly-evoked currents were virtually undetectable in cells grown in medium containing 'low' K+ (10 mM), suggesting that only the NMDA-preferring class of glutamate receptors are subject to up-regulation by K(+)-induced chronic membrane depolarization.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acids / physiology
  • Animals
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Cerebellum / cytology
  • Cerebellum / metabolism*
  • Electrophysiology
  • Membrane Potentials / drug effects
  • Neuromuscular Depolarizing Agents / pharmacology*
  • Potassium / pharmacology
  • Rats
  • Rats, Inbred Strains
  • Receptors, Amino Acid
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / drug effects
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / physiology
  • Receptors, Glutamate
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / drug effects
  • Receptors, Neurotransmitter / drug effects
  • Receptors, Neurotransmitter / metabolism*
  • Up-Regulation / drug effects

Substances

  • Amino Acids
  • Neuromuscular Depolarizing Agents
  • Receptors, Amino Acid
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Receptors, Glutamate
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate
  • Receptors, Neurotransmitter
  • Potassium