AMPA/KA receptor expression in radial glia.

The expression of four genes (GluR 1; 2; 3; 4) encoding functional subunits of the alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA)/low affinity kainate (KA) subtype of glutamate receptors was investigated in chick radial glia, namely Bergmann and Müller glial cells, using Northern blot analysis with oligonucleotide probes. Both cell types expressed the transcripts GluR 1; 3; 4, whereas the GluR 2 mRNA could not be detected. The synaptic localization of these receptors, their ion-channel properties and their regulation further strengthen the putative role of glial cells in the modulation of synaptic efficacy and plasticity.