GABA- and glutamate-activated currents in glial cells of the mouse corpus callosum slice

J Neurosci Res. 1992 Jan;31(1):21-7. doi: 10.1002/jnr.490310104.

Abstract

Whole-cell transmitter-activated currents were recorded with the patch-clamp technique from glial cells in thin frontal brain slices of the corpus callosum. In slices from 6- to 8-day-old mice, glioblasts were predominantly found, while oligodendrocytes were predominant in slices from 10- to 13-day-old mice. These developmental stages could be readily distinguished by their K+ channel pattern and their morphology and ultrastructural features. Both cell types expressed GABA and glutamate receptors in this in situ preparation. GABA responses showed similarities to those described for GABAA receptors, i.e., they were mimicked by muscimol, blocked by bicuculline, and enhanced by pentobarbital. Glutamate responses showed similarities to those of the kainate/quisqualate receptor subtype. The amplitude of GABA-activated currents recorded in oligodendrocytes was significantly smaller than that from glioblasts, while glutamate responses did not show marked differences in either cell type.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials / drug effects
  • Animals
  • Bicuculline / pharmacology
  • Chloride Channels
  • Corpus Callosum / cytology
  • Corpus Callosum / drug effects*
  • Corpus Callosum / physiology
  • Glutamates / pharmacology*
  • Glutamic Acid
  • Ion Channel Gating / drug effects*
  • Kainic Acid / pharmacology
  • Membrane Proteins / drug effects
  • Membrane Proteins / physiology
  • Mice
  • Muscimol / pharmacology
  • Oligodendroglia / drug effects*
  • Oligodendroglia / physiology
  • Oligodendroglia / ultrastructure
  • Pentobarbital / pharmacology
  • Potassium Channels / drug effects
  • Potassium Channels / physiology
  • Receptors, GABA-A / drug effects
  • Receptors, GABA-A / physiology*
  • Receptors, Glutamate
  • Receptors, Neurotransmitter / drug effects
  • Receptors, Neurotransmitter / physiology*
  • Stem Cells / drug effects*
  • Stem Cells / physiology
  • Stem Cells / ultrastructure
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Chloride Channels
  • Glutamates
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Potassium Channels
  • Receptors, GABA-A
  • Receptors, Glutamate
  • Receptors, Neurotransmitter
  • Muscimol
  • Glutamic Acid
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
  • Pentobarbital
  • Kainic Acid
  • Bicuculline