DIFFERENTIAL EXPRESSION OF AMPA GLUTAMATE-RECEPTOR MESSENGER-RNAS IN THE RAT ADRENAL-GLAND

Localisation of mRNA encoding the four AMPA glutamate receptor subunit s in the rat adrenal gland was investigated using in situ hybridisatio n. GluR1 is found in the zona glomerulosa of the cortex, GluR3 in the remaining parts of the cortex, GluR2 in adrenal medullary cells and Gl uR4 at a very low level in the zona glomerulosa. All four receptor mRN As are found in medullary ganglion cells. The flip form of GluR2 and G luR3 dominate and the GluR2 mRNA is present in the arginine encoding f orm. Different cell populations of the adrenal gland may express homom eric forms of different receptor subtypes.