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Segregated expression of AMPA-type glutamate receptors and glutamate transporters defines distinct astrocyte populations in the mouse hippocampus

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Item Type:Article
Title:Segregated expression of AMPA-type glutamate receptors and glutamate transporters defines distinct astrocyte populations in the mouse hippocampus
Creators Name:Matthias, K. and Kirchhoff, F. and Seifert, G. and Huettmann, K. and Matyash, M. and Kettenmann, H. and Steinhaeuser, C.
Abstract:Recent data have suggested the existence of direct signaling pathways between glial cells and neurons. Here we report the coexistence of distinct types of cells expressing astrocyte-specific markers within the hippocampus that display diverse morphological, molecular, and functional profiles. Usage of transgenic mice with GFAP promoter-controlled enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) expression allowed the identification of astroglial cells after fresh isolation or in brain slices. Combining patch-clamp recordings and single-cell reverse transcription-PCR, we distinguished two morphologically distinct types of EGFP-positive cells, one expressing glutamate transporters and the other expressing ionotropic glutamate receptors. None of the EGFP-positive cells coexpressed glutamate receptors and transporters. Subpopulations of glutamate receptor-bearing EGFP-positive cells expressed AN2, the mouse homolog of the rat NG2 proteoglycan or transcripts for excitatory amino acid carrier 1, a neuronal glutamate transporter. Our data demonstrate the presence of distinct, independent populations of cells with astroglial properties in the developing hippocampus that can differently modulate neuronal signaling pathways. The observed heterogeneity of cells with GFAP promoter-regulated EGFP expression and S100beta/GFAP immunoreactivity challenges the hitherto accepted definition of astrocytes.
Keywords:Glial Cells, Astrocytes, Astron, AMPA Receptors, Glutamate Transporters, Patch Clamp, Hippocampus, GFAP Promoter-Controlled EGFP Expression, Transgenic Mouse, NG2, S100b, Animals, Mice
Source:Journal of Neuroscience
ISSN:0270-6474
Publisher:Society for Neuroscience
Volume:23
Number:5
Page Range:1750-1758
Date:1 March 2003
Additional Information:Copyright (c) 2003 by The Society for Neuroscience
Official Publication:http://www.jneurosci.org/cgi/content/abstract/23/5/1750
PubMed:View item in PubMed

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