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Localization of GABAA receptors in the rabbit retina

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Abstract

The distribution of gamma-aminobutyric acidA (GABAA) receptors in the rabbit retina is investigated and compared with the distribution of GABAergic neurons using immunocytochemical methods. Antibodies against the α1, β2/3, and γ2 subunits of the GABAA receptor label subpopulations of bipolar, amacrine and ganglion cells. Double labeling experiments show that the γ2 subunit is colocalized with the α1 and the β2/3 subunits in bipolar, amacrine and ganglion cells. Electron microscopy reveals that in the outer plexiform layer, GABAA receptor immunoreactivity is present on dendrites of cone bipolar cells adjacent to the cone pedicles. Bipolar cell dendrites are also receptor-positive at synapses from interplexiform cells. Some receptor immunoreactivity is found intracellularly in processes of horizontal cells. In the inner plexiform layer, GABAA receptor immunoreactivity is present on both rod bipolar and cone bipolar axon terminals at putative GABAergic input sites. Amacrine and ganglion cell processes in sublamina a and b are also labeled.

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Author notes

  1. F. Müller

    Present address: Institut für Biologische Informationsverarbeitung, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Postfach 1913, D-52428, Jülich, Germany

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Max-Planck-Institut für Hirnforschung, Deutschordenstrasse 46, D-60528, Frankfurt, Germany

    U. Greferath, U. Grünert, F. Müller & H. Wässle

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  1. U. Greferath
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  2. U. Grünert
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  3. F. Müller
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  4. H. Wässle
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Greferath, U., Grünert, U., Müller, F. et al. Localization of GABAA receptors in the rabbit retina. Cell Tissue Res 276, 295–307 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00306115

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