EXPRESSION OF MESSENGER-RNA FOR THE N-METHYL-D-ASPARTATE (NMDAR1) RECEPTOR BY THE ENTERIC NEURONS OF THE RAT

In this study, in situ hybridization techniques were employed to map t he distribution of enteric neurons which express mRNA for the glutamat e N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 1 (NMDAR1). We hybridized tissue secti ons from the stomach, duodenum, ileum and descending colon of adult ra ts with a 1.43-kB riboprobe cleaved from a clone of the NMDA receptor. Enteric neurons expressing the mRNA were found in both myenteric and submucosal ganglia at each of the sampling sites. Possible functions o f NMDA receptors on enteric neurons are discussed.