EXPRESSION OF NEUROTRANSMITTER RECEPTORS AND CA2-NERVE( CHANNELS IN THE ADULT FORNIX AND OPTIC)

USING Xenopus oocytes, we have investigated the presence of mRNA codin g for neurotransmitter receptors and channels in the adult bovine forn ix and optic nerve. Oocytes injected with mRNA from either area, expre ssed comparable levels of functional receptors to several neurotransmi tters, including glutamate and angiotensin II, as well as voltage-acti vated Ca2+ channels. Glutamate receptors were mainly of the AMPA/kaina te type and were expressed in astrocyte cultures from the regions stud ied, suggesting that the receptors are present at least in this type o f glial cells in vivo. These results show that the white matter areas in the adult brain express receptors and channels. These molecules may play an important role in the transfer of information between axons a nd glial cells.