NMDA receptors at the endplate of rat skeletal muscles: precise postsynaptic localization

Muscle Nerve. 2011 Dec;44(6):987-9. doi: 10.1002/mus.22250.

Abstract

In this study we demonstrate expression of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor NR1 subunit in the rat neuromuscular junction of skeletal muscles of different functional types (extensor digitorum longus, soleus, and diaphragm muscles) using fluorescence immunocytochemistry. Electron microscopic immunocytochemistry has shown that the NR1 subunit is localized solely on the sarcolemma in the depths of the postsynaptic folds. These findings suggest participation of the glutamatergic signaling system in functioning of the adult mammalian neuromuscular junction.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Motor Endplate / chemistry*
  • Motor Endplate / metabolism
  • Muscle, Skeletal / chemistry*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / metabolism
  • Presynaptic Terminals / chemistry*
  • Presynaptic Terminals / metabolism
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / analysis
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / biosynthesis
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / metabolism*
  • Sarcolemma / chemistry
  • Sarcolemma / metabolism
  • Synaptic Potentials / physiology

Substances

  • NR1 NMDA receptor
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate