Distribution of the group II metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR2/3) in the enteric nervous system of the rat

We used affinity purified antisera specific for group II metabotropic gluta mate receptors in combination with a preembedding immunocytochemical method for light microscopy to investigate the localization of mGluR2/3 receptors in the enteric nervous system of the rat small intestine. In the submucosa l plexuses of the jejunum and ileum, strongly mGluR2/3 immunoreactive cells were distributed between the circular muscular layer and the muscularis mu cosa. In addition, oval or rounded immunostained ganglion cells appeared lo cated in the myenteric plexuses of both intestinal regions. Nerve fibers in tensely stained were observed extending between adjacent myenteric ganglia. The localization of mGluR2/3 receptors in enteric neurons might have funct ional implications in the physiology and pathology of the gut, (C) 1999 Els evier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.