The mGluR stimulating GFAP phosphorylation in immature hippocampal slices has some properties of a group II receptor

IN a previous study we showed that phosphorylation of the astrocytic marker glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in hippocampal slices from immature rats (P12-P16) is regulated by a metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR). The subtypes of these receptors are divided into three groups and exhibit t wo distinct transduction signals: activation of phospholipase C and liberat ion of internal calcium (group I) or modulation of cAMP synthesis (groups I I and III). Here we investigated the subtype of mGluR involved. Phosphoryla tion was strongly stimulated by the selective group II agonists DCG IV, L-C CG-I and 1S,3S-ACPD, whereas the group I agonist 3,5-DHPG and the group III agonist L-AP4 had no effect. These results show that the receptor regulati ng GFAP phosphorylation in the immature hippocampus has some of the propert ies of a group II mGluR. NeuroReport 10:2119-2123 (C) 1999 Lippincott Willi ams & Wilkins.