METABOTROPIC GLUTAMATE RECEPTORS IN THE HYPOTHALAMUS

Glutamate, the principle excitatory transmitter in the mammalian brain , plays an important role within the hypothalamus. Its action is media ted by an interaction with specific membrane receptors, broadly classi fied into two main Families, i.e, the ionotropic and metabotropic (mGl uR) receptors. This article focuses on the mGluR family in the hypotha lamus. In particular, we discuss the distribution of mGluRs in this ar ea and their functional properties in immortalized hypothalamic neuron s. Also examined is the potential role of the various mGluRs in the de velopment of hypothalamic neurons as well as in their secretory proces ses. It will become apparent that mGluRs play a role in hypothalamic p hysiology being involved in secretory as well as non-secretory events.