Study of AMPA and NMDA Receptors in Wobbler Mice
Author Information
Author(s): Bigini Paolo, Gardoni Fabrizio, Barbera Sara, Cagnotto Alfredo, Fumagalli Elena, Longhi Annalisa, Corsi Massimiliano M, Di Luca Monica, Mennini Tiziana
Primary Institution: Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Milano, Italy
Hypothesis
The expression of AMPA and NMDA receptor subunits in the cervical spinal cord of wobbler mice is altered due to motoneuron degeneration.
Conclusion
In late symptomatic wobbler mice, reduced levels of GluR1 and NR2A receptor subunits are likely due to motoneuron loss rather than an early sign of vulnerability.
Supporting Evidence
- Western blot analysis showed a trend of reduction in AMPA and NMDA receptor subunits in late symptomatic wobbler mice.
- Colocalisation experiments indicated that GluR1 and NR2A receptors were expressed in activated astrocytes.
- No differences were found in the expression of AMPA and NMDA receptor subunits in the lumbar tract of wobbler mice.
Takeaway
Wobbler mice, which have a type of motor neuron disease, show changes in certain brain receptors as they get sicker, but these changes happen later when many neurons are already lost.
Methodology
The study used Western blotting and immunohistochemistry to analyze the expression of AMPA and NMDA receptor subunits in the cervical and lumbar spinal cord of wobbler mice.
Limitations
The study did not perform statistical comparisons on the protein levels due to the nature of the data.
Participant Demographics
Wobbler mice and healthy littermates were used in the study.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website