侧脑室注射NMDA受体激动剂后精神分裂症小鼠海马齿状回内NR1和BrdU的改变

目的:探讨精神分裂症(schizophrenia,SP)小鼠侧脑室注射N-甲基-D-天门冬氨酸(NMDA)受体激动剂后,海马齿状回(dentate gyrus,DG)颗粒细胞层NR1和5-溴脱氧尿嘧啶核苷(BrdU)阳性细胞数量的改变。方法:选择健康6周龄雄性C57小鼠,地卓西平马来酸盐(MK-801)慢性给药制备精神分裂症动物模型,实验分为NMDA组、生理盐水组、SP组和空白对照组共四组,NMDA组侧脑室注射NMDA受体激动剂。BrdU标记后行免疫荧光染色,激光共聚焦显微镜下观察和计数DG颗粒细胞层NR1和BrdU阳性细胞的表达和数量变化。结果:(1)NR1阳性细胞数在NMDA组、空白对照组、SP组和生理盐水组分别为16.1±2.08,14.5±2.17,19.4±4.65,19.5±4.33,经比较,NMDA组和空白对照组NR1阳性细胞的数量明显少于SP组(P<0.05),但NMDA组与空白对照组相比无明显差异(P>0.05),SP组与生理盐水组相比也无明显差异(P>0.05)。(2)BrdU阳性细胞数在NMDA组、空白对照组、SP组和生理盐水组分别为5.2±2.53、5.3±0.82、3.4±1.58、3.5±1.35,经比较,NMDA组和空白对照组分别多于SP组(P<0.05),和生理盐水组(P<0.05);但NMDA组较空白对照组无明显差异(P>0.05),SP组较生理盐水组亦无明显差异(P>0.05)。结论:SP小鼠侧脑室注射NMDA受体激动剂后,可引起DG颗粒层NR1阳性细胞数减少和BrdU阳性神经细胞数的增多。     

NMDA受体NR1亚单位与GABA_A受体在精神分裂症小鼠海马齿状回颗粒细胞层的表达

目的:明确NMDA受体NR1亚单位、GABAA受体与精神分裂症(SP)小鼠海马齿状回颗粒细胞层新生颗粒细胞的共存模式;阐明NR1、GABAA受体在SP小鼠海马中的表达。方法:实验组小鼠腹腔注射MK-801(每日0.6 mg/kg),对照组注射等量的生理盐水,连续注射14 d后对两组动物分别进行BrdU标记,断头并进行如下处理:(1)免疫荧光染色,观察海马DG区中NR1和GABAA的表达以及与BrdU标记的新生颗粒细胞的共存模式;(2)利用RT-PCR技术,检测海马GABAA及NR1 mRNA表达水平的改变。结果:(1)停药后实验组与对照组比较,海马神经细胞的增殖率下降了23.1%(P0.05),GABAA、NR1两种神经细胞增殖数无差异性改变(P0.05);(2)实验组小鼠海马GABAAmRNA的表达量较对照组显著下降(P0.05),而NR1 mRNA的表达量较对照组明显增高(P0.05)。结论:(1)小鼠精神分裂症后可引起海马齿状回神经细胞增殖的降低;(2)小鼠精神分裂症后,在mRNA水平上,海马GABAA的表达降低,NR1的表达升高。     

快速老化小鼠海马突触体内NMDA受体的表达变化

目的:观察NMDA受体在SAMP8小鼠海马突触体内的表达变化。方法:首先应用生物化学的方法分离海马突触蛋白,并对其进行鉴定。其次,Western Blot检测NMDA受体的主要亚基NR1、NR2A和NR2B在SAMP8小鼠海马突触体内的表达变化。结果:PSD-95和synaptophysin特异性抗体检测显示突触蛋白的分离是成功的。SAMP8小鼠海马内NR1、NR2A和NR2B在突触的表达均显著低于SAMR1小鼠。进一步分析NR1、NR2A和NR2B蛋白在突触的表达量占总表达量的比值,SAMP8小鼠同样显著低于SAMR1小鼠,而SAMR1和CD-1小鼠间没有显著性差异。结论:SAMP8小鼠海马突触体内NR1、NR2A和NR2B的蛋白表达水平均显著性降低,推测NMDA受体在突触表达水平的降低可能是导致受体功能失调,激发突触功能损伤信号途径的原因之一,进而导致SAMP8小鼠学习记忆功能的下降。     

慢性复合应激对大鼠学习与记忆及海马NMDA受体亚基NR2A和NR2B表达的影响

为了观察慢性复合应激对大鼠学习与记忆的影响和海马内 NMDA受体亚基 NR2 A、NR2 B表达的变化。本研究将成年雄性 Wistar大鼠分为实验组和对照组 ,实验组动物每天交替暴露于复合应激原环境中达 6周 ,用 Morris水迷宫和 Y迷宫作业测试其空间学习与记忆成绩 ,再采用免疫组织化学和图像处理方法分析海马 CA1 、CA3、齿状回区的 NR2 A和 NR2 B的表达。结果显示 :( 1) Morris水迷宫测试 :慢性复合应激组大鼠寻找平台的潜伏期较对照组明显缩短 ,Y迷宫测试 :慢性复合应激组大鼠学会躲避电击的正确次数较对照组明显增多 ;( 2 )慢性复合应激组海马内 NMDA受体亚基 NR2 B表达水平较对照组明显上调 ,NR2 A表达水平无显著变化。结论 :慢性复合应激可增强学习与记忆能力 ,NMDA受体表达变化可能是影响学习与记忆的机制之一     

音乐对大鼠海马NMDA受体表达的作用

目的：研究音乐刺激对大鼠海马组织NMDA受体及其受体蛋白mRNA表达的影响。方法：用免疫组织化学和PCR技术，定量检测了NMDA受体蛋白和编码该受体的mRNA表达。结果：音乐刺激后，NMDA受体蛋白及其mRNA表达，在持续音乐刺激组分别高出对照组40％和58％，生后音乐组高出33％和42％，而胎期音乐组与对照组相比不显著(4％和6％)。结论：音乐刺激能显著增强大鼠海马组织NMDA受体和mRNA表达，而且其增强效应具有音乐刺激时间依赖性，且生后的作用较为明显。     

体外培养海马神经元NR1型受体表达的发育性变化

用免疫细胞化学方法检测了体外培养的大鼠海马神经元不同培养时期的 N-甲基 -D-天门冬氨酸受体 1型亚单位的免疫活性反应强度 ,并用图象分析方法进行了定量研究。结果显示 :体外培养的海马神经元的 N-甲基 -D-天门冬氨酸受体 1型亚单位的免疫反应强度 ,在培养第 1d时较弱 ,第 2 d、第 4d和第 7d时反应强度逐渐加强 ,分别为 1d的 2 .44、3 .82和 4.18倍 ,随后反应强度稍有下降 ,第 10 d、第 14 d分别为第 1d的 3 .71和 3 .65倍。表明 :体外培养的海马神经元在发育进程中 N-甲基 -D-天门冬氨酸受体 1型亚单位表达进行性增加 ;当神经元发育成熟时 ,则其表达不再增加。提示 :N-甲基 -D-天门冬氨酸受体 1型亚单位与神经功能成熟有关     

NMDA受体的NR2A和NR2B亚基在海马可塑性中的作用

脑的学习和记忆功能的实现是一个相当复杂的生理过程,一直是神经科学研究的热点问题之一。人们认为脑之所以具有将短时的经历转化为几乎无限的长期记忆的能力,是因为神经突触间的传递效率发生了活动依赖性的改变,即突触可塑性。大量研究结果证明突触可塑性的形成与NMDA受体的激     

生后早期大鼠海马NMDA受体亚单位NR1、NR2A和NR2B的表达变化

运用免疫组织化学反应和图象分析处理技术研究生后 1d、4d、1周、2周、3周、4周、5周、6周的 SD大鼠海马结构中NMDA受体亚单位 NR1、NR2 A、NR2 B三种蛋白质的表达变化规律。结果表明 ,生后各时间点海马结构各区锥体细胞及颗粒细胞胞体中均有 NR1、NR2 A、NR2 B的表达 ,NR2 B还在锥体细胞的顶树突中有较强表达。 NR1与 NR2 B的生后表达变化模式相似 ,在生后 1d和 4d,两者在 CA3区的表达均高于 CA1 区 ;生后 1周后两者在 CA1 区的表达则高于 CA3区 ;到生后 2～ 3周其表达达到峰值。而 NR2 A却与此不同 ,生后 1d、4d时其在海马结构各区的表达较高 ,随发育时间延长表达逐渐下降 ,大约在生后 4周降至谷底。整个发育过程中 ,NR1在海马结构各区的表达始终高于 NR2 A和 NR2 B的表达。这些结果提示 ,生后早期大鼠海马结构 NR1、NR2 A、NR2 B的表达具有发育性时空差异和亚单位差异 ,这种差异可能与发育早期海马学习功能的特异性以及海马各区对缺血敏感性不同有关。     

前脑缺血再灌流后大鼠海马 NMDA受体亚单位NR1蛋白的表达变化

目的　观察大鼠前脑缺血再灌流后海马各区域NMDA受体亚单位NR1表达的变化和差异 ,探讨NR1在缺血性脑损伤中的作用。　方法　免疫组织化学和图像处理技术。　结果　 1 在前脑缺血再灌流后早期 ,海马各区域NR1的表达水平显著下降 (P <0 0 5 )。CA1区 ,下降趋势持续存在且不可逆 ,直至再灌流后第 7d ,NR1在该区域的染色强度降至对照组的 17% (P <0 0 5 )。CA3区及齿状回 ,NR1的表达下降是可逆的 ,再灌流后 72h ,齿状回的表达恢复正常 ,再灌后第 7d ,CA3区的表达也恢复到对照组的 96 % ,两组间染色强度无显著差异。 2 在迟发性神经元坏死出现前的缺血再灌流的早期 ,NR1在CA1区、CA3区及齿状回表达下降的幅度不一致 ,再灌后 6h以前 ,CA1区的下降幅度明显小于CA3区及齿状回 (P <0 0 5 ) ,再灌后 12h ,CA1区的下降幅度仍低于CA3区 (P <0 0 5 )。结论　短暂性前脑缺血后 ,NR1在海马CA1区、CA3区及齿状回表达下降的幅度和可逆性存在显著差异 ,这种差异可能是造成CA1区缺血敏感性的重要原因。     

髓鞘形成相关NMDA-R亚基在精神分裂症小鼠模型中的变化

目的:探讨髓鞘形成相关N-甲基-D-天冬氨酸受体(NMDA-R)亚基在MK-801诱导的精神分裂症小鼠模型大脑中的变化。方法:35只雄性C57BL/6J小鼠,随机分为:对照组(control)和地卓西平马来酸盐处理组(MK-801),利用旷场实验、探孔实验及高架十字迷宫检测小鼠行为学改变,免疫荧光染色观察小鼠大脑NMDAR亚基NR1的表达,real time RT-PCR检测髓鞘形成相关NMDA-R亚基NR1、NR2C和NR3A mRNA的表达。结果:与对照组小鼠相比,MK-801处理组在旷场内10 min总运动路程较对照组显著增加;3 min及5 min内探孔次数较对照组显著降低;模型组小鼠在开臂内停留总时间较对照组显著降低。NR1在小鼠神经细胞胞膜、轴突周围和髓鞘部位均有表达。大脑皮层、海马内的NMDA-R亚基NR1,NR2C及NR3A mRNA的表达在两组间均无显著差异;胼胝体区域NR1和NR2C mRNA表达在两组间同样无显著差异;但相较于对照组,MK-801慢性给药组小鼠胼胝体区域NMDA-R亚基NR3A mRNA表达显著上调。结论:NMDA-R在少突胶质细胞、髓鞘等部位确有表达;胼胝体部位NR3A亚基上调可能在MK-801诱导的精神分裂症中发挥作用。     

幼年大鼠脑室下区内NMDA受体亚单位NR1的表达变化

目的:观察N-甲基-D-天冬氨酸受体亚单位1(N-Methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit1,NR1)在幼年不同时期大鼠脑室下区(subventricular zone,SVZ)相同部位以及生后14d(表达高峰期)大鼠侧脑室不同部位旁的SVZ表达状况,为研究NR1是否在神经发生中起作用提供组织学依据。方法:生后7,14,21,28d的SD大鼠脑6μm厚石蜡切片,免疫组化ABC法显色,图像分析及统计处理。结果:NR1在生后7,14,21,28d大鼠SVZ均有表达,14d时表达至高峰;NR1在14d大鼠侧脑室不同部位旁SVZ内也均有表达,且侧脑室外侧角旁及下角旁SVZ表达最高。NR1阳性细胞有多种形态,均以胞膜着色为主,胞浆浅淡,偶可见核仁。结论:NR1在幼年不同时期大鼠SVZ及14d大鼠侧脑室不同区域旁SVZ均有表达,但表达高低因时间及部位而异,提示NR1在幼年大鼠SVZ的表达具有时空特异性,并可能在神经发生过程中发挥作用。     

Synergistic interactions of dopamine D1 and glutamate NMDA receptors in rat hippocampus and prefrontal cortex: Involvement of ERK1/2 signaling

Interactions between dopamine and glutamate receptors are essential for the prefrontal cortical (PFC) and hippocampal cognitive functions. In order to understand the molecular basis of dopamine/glutamate interactions in rat PFC and hippocampus, we investigated (a) the effect of in vitro dopamine D1 receptor stimulation on glutamate N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) receptor subunits' phosphorylation and (b) the signal transduction pathway underlying these interactions, by examining the involvement of D1–extracellular regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and D1/protein kinase A (PKA)/dopamine- and cyclic AMP-regulated phosphoprotein-32 (DARPP-32) signaling pathways. Furthermore, we compared the D1/NMDA/AMPA receptor interactions seen in PFC and hippocampus with those appearing in striatum, in which the D1 receptors' density is the highest within the mammalian brain. Our results showed that stimulation of D1 receptor by the specific agonist SKF38393 (10 μM) in PFC and hippocampal slices significantly increased the phosphorylation state of NR1ser897 and NR2Bser1303 subunits of NMDA receptor and of the GLUR1 (ser831 and ser845) subunit of AMPA receptor, as well as of ERK1/2, but not of DARPP-32. Interestingly, co-stimulation of D1 and NMDA receptors with an ineffective dose of SKF38393 (2 μM) and NMDA (5 μM) respectively, elevated further the phosphorylation level of NMDA and AMPA receptor subunits, as well as of ERK1/2, but not of DARPP-32. The D1- and D1/NMDA-induced phosphorylations were totally inhibited by SL327 (specific ERK1/2 inhibitor). Conversely, in striatal slices our data confirm that the D1-mediated phosphorylation of NMDA and AMPA receptor subunits relies on D1/PKA/DARPP-32 signaling. In conclusion, in PFC and hippocampus: (a) a strong synergistic interaction of D1 and NMDA receptors exists, which results in a significant ERK1/2 pathway activation, (b) the D1 and the D1/NMDA receptor-induced phosphorylation of NMDA and AMPA receptor subunits seems to rely on ERK1/2 signaling and could to some extent underlie the enhancement of NMDA and AMPA receptor currents mediated by D1 receptor activation.     

大鼠听皮质NMDA受体亚单位NR2B蛋白质的年龄-依赖性表达

目的：研究sD大鼠生后发育过程中,听皮质神经元NMDA受体亚单位NR2B蛋白质的表达规律。方法：采用免疫组织化学反应和蛋白质印迹技术,分别检测生后1、2、3周和成年动物听皮质神经元NMDA受体亚单位NR2B蛋白质的表达。结果：NR2B阳性神经元在生后第1周密度最高,随着生后周龄增长,NR2B阳性神经元密度递减．3周龄后降至成年动物的低表达水平。结论：大鼠生后发育过程巾．听皮质NR2B亚单位蛋白质呈现年龄-依赖性表达,此结果与mRNA水平上的表达趋势一致。     

Different modes of synaptic and extrasynaptic NMDA receptor alteration in the hippocampus of P301S tau transgenic mice

N-methyl-d -aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are pivotal players in the synaptic transmission and synaptic plasticity underlying learning and memory. Accordingly, dysfunction of NMDARs has been implicated in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer disease (AD). Here, we used histoblot and sodium dodecylsulphate-digested freeze-fracture replica labelling (SDS-FRL) techniques to investigate the expression and subcellular localisation of GluN1, the obligatory subunit of NMDARs, in the hippocampus of P301S mice. Histoblots showed that GluN1 expression was significantly reduced in the hippocampus of P301S mice in a laminar-specific manner at 10 months of age but was unaltered at 3 months. Using the SDS-FRL technique, excitatory synapses and extrasynaptic sites on spines of pyramidal cells and interneuron dendrites were analysed throughout all dendritic layers in the CA1 field. Our ultrastructural approach revealed a high density of GluN1 in synaptic sites and a substantially lower density at extrasynaptic sites. Labelling density for GluN1 in excitatory synapses established on spines was significantly reduced in P301S mice, compared with age-matched wild-type mice, in the stratum oriens (so), stratum radiatum (sr) and stratum lacunosum-moleculare (slm). Density for synaptic GluN1 on interneuron dendrites was significantly reduced in P301S mice in the so and sr but unaltered in the slm. Labelling density for GluN1 at extrasynaptic sites showed no significant differences in pyramidal cells, and only increased density in the interneuron dendrites of the sr. This differential alteration of synaptic versus extrasynaptic NMDARs supports the notion that the progressive accumulation of phospho-tau is associated with changes in NMDARs, in the absence of amyloid-β pathology, and may be involved in the mechanisms causing abnormal network activity of the hippocampal circuit.     

Interleukin 1beta facilitates bone cancer pain in rats by enhancing NMDA receptor NR-1 subunit phosphorylation

It has been shown that interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) facilitates nociception during neuropathic and inflammatory pain, but its involvement in bone cancer pain and its mechanisms have not previously been established. This study is an investigation of IL-1beta spinal expression and the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor (NMDAR) NR1 subunit phosphorylation during cancer pain, co-localization of IL-1 receptor type I (IL-1RI) and NMDAR in the spinal cord, and the effects of IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) on NMDAR1 (NR1) phosphorylation and hyperalgesia in a rat model of bone cancer pain. Cancer was induced by injecting AT-3.1 prostate cancer cells into the tibia of the male Copenhagen rat. Phosphorylation of NR1, an essential subunit of the NMDAR, is known to modulate NMDAR activity and facilitate pain. Mechanical hyperalgesia, established by a decrease in paw withdrawal pressure threshold (PWPT), was measured at baseline and 2 h after IL-1ra treatment. IL-1ra was given (i.t.) daily for 7 days between days 13 and 19 after the cancer cell inoculation. Spinal cords were removed for Western blot to measure IL-1beta and NR1 phosphorylation and for double immunostaining of IL-1RI and NR1. The data showed that 1) spinal IL-1beta was up-regulated and NR1 phosphorylation was increased, 2) IL-1ra at 0.1 mg/rat significantly (P<0.05) inhibited mechanical hyperalgesia, increasing PWPT on day 14 from 71.1+/-3.1-85.3+/-4.6 g and on day 19 from 73.5.0+/-3.5-87.1+/-3.7 g, and inhibited NR1 phosphorylation compared with saline control, and 3) IL-1RI is localized in NR1-immunoreactive neurons within the spinal cord. The results suggest that spinal IL-1beta enhances NR1 phosphorylation to facilitate bone cancer pain.     

GAD67-GFP精神分裂症小鼠行为学改变及海马齿状回颗粒细胞层GABA能神经元的表达

目的:探讨谷氨酸脱羧酶67-绿色荧光蛋白(GAD67-GFP)基因敲入小鼠制备精神分裂症模型后学习与记忆功能的改变及海马齿状回颗粒细胞层GABA能神经元的表达。方法:利用聚合酶链式反应(PCR)鉴定GAD67-GFP基因敲入小鼠,MK-801连续腹腔注射2周制备精神分裂症动物模型,通过悬尾实验、Morris水迷宫实验、免疫荧光标记技术等,观察GAD67-GFP基因敲入小鼠的学习与记忆功能的改变及GABA能神经元在海马齿状回颗粒细胞层的表达。结果:停药后实验组与对照组比较:(1)实验组体重增加明显低于对照组(P0.05);(2)行为学改变:1悬尾实验:实验组不动时间明显小于对照组(P0.05);2Morris水迷宫实验:定位航行实验中实验组逃避潜伏期,游泳总路程明显长于对照组(P0.05),而其平均游泳速度与对照组没有明显差异(P0.05);空间探查实验中实验组经过平台所在点的次数和在平台所在象限的时间明显小于对照组(P0.05);(3)在海马齿状回颗粒细胞层中实验组的GFP阳性细胞明显多于对照组(P0.05)。结论:通过对GAD67-GFP基因敲入小鼠进行腹腔注射MK-801制备精神分裂症模型后,其学习与记忆功能显著下降,且海马齿状回颗粒细胞层GABA能神经元明显增加。提示精神分裂症后学习记忆功能减退可能与GABA能神经元的表达有关。     

Cyclin D1在肌萎缩侧索硬化症转基因小鼠大脑皮层和海马中的表达

目的:通过检测细胞周期相关蛋白D1(Cyclin D1)在肌萎缩侧索硬化症(ALS)转基因小鼠大脑皮层和海马中的表达变化,探讨Cyclin D1表达改变与ALS发病的关系。方法:选取成年ALS小鼠和同窝野生型小鼠,于发病早、中、晚期(95 d,108 d,122 d)取材,应用免疫荧光技术检测Cyclin D1在大脑皮层和海马的表达规律及与神经元和星形胶质细胞的共定位关系,应用RT-PCR检测Cyclin D1 mRNA表达情况,应用免疫印迹法检测蛋白表达量的改变。结果:ALS小鼠和野生型小鼠大脑皮层和海马中均可检测到Cyclin D1阳性细胞,且与神经元共表达。在发病早、中、晚期,ALS小鼠大脑皮层中Cyclin D1 mRNA和蛋白表达较野生型鼠增多(P0.05,P0.01,P0.001);与同窝野生型小鼠相比,ALS小鼠海马中Cyclin D1 mRNA和蛋白在发病的早、中、晚期表达均降低(P0.05,P0.01,P0.001)。Cyclin D1阳性细胞主要分布在海马CA区(包括CA1、CA2和CA3),DG区仅散在表达。结论:Cyclin D1在ALS转基因小鼠大脑皮层和海马中表达异常,表明Cyclin D1调节的细胞周期改变与ALS大脑皮层和海马区病变密切相关。     

NMDA受体亚单位NR1、NR2A和NR2B在大鼠海马的免疫组织化学表达

目的 :观察N 甲基 D 门冬氨酸受体亚单位 1 (N methyl D aspartatereceptorsubunit 1 ,NR1 )、亚单位 2A(NR2A)和亚单位 2B(NR2B)在成年大鼠海马结构各区的表达特点 ,为研究三者在海马生理和病理过程中的作用提供形态学资料。方法 :大鼠脑 2 0 μm厚冰冻切片 ,免疫组织化学ABC法显色 ,图像分析。结果 :NR1、NR2A和NR2B在海马CA1～CA3区锥体细胞以及齿状回颗粒细胞普遍表达 ,三者中以NR1免疫组织化学反应最强 ,NR2A最弱 ,NR2B居中。NR1与NR2A在海马各区间的表达水平都无显著差异 ;NR2B在海马CA1区的表达明显强于其在CA3区及齿状回的表达 ,尤其是CA1区锥体细胞的顶树突在贯穿辐射层及腔隙分子层的全长中都呈高表达。结论 :NR1、NR2A和NR2B在正常海马结构各区的表达强度和形式存在差异 ,提示各区间天然N 甲基 D 门冬氨酸(N methyl D aspartate ,NMDA)受体的亚单位构成比例可能有所不同     

Differential expression of NMDA and AMPA receptor subunits in rat dorsal and ventral hippocampus

Several studies have demonstrated anatomical and functional segregation along the dorsoventral axis of the hippocampus. This study examined the possible differences in the AMPA and NMDA receptor subunit composition and receptor binding parameters between dorsal and ventral hippocampus, since several evidence suggest diversification of NMDA receptor-dependent processes between the two hippocampal poles. Three sets of rat dorsal and ventral hippocampus slices were prepared: 1) transverse slices for examining a) the expression of the AMPA (GluRA, GluRB, GluRC) and NMDA (NR1, NR2A, NR2B) subunits mRNA using in situ hybridization, b) the protein expression of NR2A and NR2B subunits using Western blotting, and c) by using quantitative autoradiography, c(1)) the specific binding of the AMPA receptor agonist [(3)H]AMPA and c(2)) the specific binding of the NMDA receptor antagonist [(3)H]MK-801, 2) longitudinal slices containing only the cornus ammonis 1 (CA1) region for performing [(3)H]MK-801 saturation experiments and 3) transverse slices for electrophysiological measures of NMDA receptor-mediated excitatory postsynaptic potentials. Ventral compared with dorsal hippocampus showed for NMDA receptors: 1) lower levels of mRNA and protein expression for NR2A and NR2B subunits in CA1 with the ratio of NR2A /NR2B differing between the two poles and 2) lower levels of [(3)H]MK-801 binding in the ventral hippocampus, with the lowest value observed in CA1, apparently resulting from a decreased receptor density since the B(max) value was lower in ventral hippocampus. For the AMPA receptors CA1 our results showed in ventral hippocampus compared with dorsal hippocampus: 1) lower levels of mRNA expression for GluRA, GluRB and GluRC subunits, which were more pronounced in CA1 and in dentate gyrus region and 2) lower levels of [(3)H]AMPA binding. Intracellular recordings obtained from pyramidal neurons in CA1 showed longer NMDA receptor-mediated excitatory postsynaptic potentials in ventral hippocampus compared with dorsal hippocampus. In conclusion, the differences in the subunit mRNA and protein expression of NMDA and AMPA receptors as well as the lower density of their binding sites observed in ventral hippocampus compared with dorsal hippocampus suggest that the glutamatergic function differs between the two hippocampal poles. Consistently, the lower value of the ratio NR2A/NR2B seen in the ventral part would imply that the ventral hippocampus NMDA receptor subtype is functionally different than the dorsal hippocampus subtype, as supported by our intracellular recordings. This could be related to the lower ability of ventral hippocampus for long-term synaptic plasticity and to the higher involvement of the NMDA receptors in the epileptiform discharges, observed in ventral hippocampus compared with dorsal hippocampus.