Profiling neurotransmitter receptor expression in the Ambystoma mexicanum brain.

Jorge Mauricio Reyes-Ruiz, Agenor Limon, Matthew J Korn, Paul A Nakamura, Nicole J Shirkey, Jamie K Wong, Ricardo Miledi

Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.

Neuroscience letters 2013 Mar 22

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Ability to regenerate limbs and central nervous system (CNS) is unique to few vertebrates, most notably the axolotl (Ambystoma sp.). However, despite the fact the neurotransmitter receptors are involved in axonal regeneration, little is known regarding its expression profile. In this project, RT-PCR and qPCR were performed to gain insight into the neurotransmitter receptors present in Ambystoma. Its functional ability was studied by expressing axolotl receptors in Xenopus laevis oocytes by either injection of mRNA or by direct microtransplantation of brain membranes. Oocytes injected with axolotl mRNA expressed ionotropic receptors activated by GABA, aspartate+glycine and kainate, as well as metabotropic receptors activated by acetylcholine and glutamate. Interestingly, we did not see responses following the application of serotonin. Membranes from the axolotl brain were efficiently microtransplanted into Xenopus oocytes and two types of native GABA receptors that differed in the temporal course of their responses and affinities to GABA were observed. Results of this study are necessary for further characterization of axolotl neurotransmitter receptors and may be useful for guiding experiments aimed at understanding activity-dependant limb and CNS regeneration. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Citation

Jorge Mauricio Reyes-Ruiz, Agenor Limon, Matthew J Korn, Paul A Nakamura, Nicole J Shirkey, Jamie K Wong, Ricardo Miledi. Profiling neurotransmitter receptor expression in the Ambystoma mexicanum brain. Neuroscience letters. 2013 Mar 22;538:32-7