Expression of mRNAs of L-AP4-sensitive metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR4, mGluR6, mGluR7) in the rat retina.

Expression patterns of mRNAs of L-AP4-sensitive metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR4, mGluR6, mGluR7) in the rat retina were examined by northern blot analysis and in situ hybridization histochemistry. Expression patterns of mGluR4 and mGluR7 mRNAs were quite different from that of mGluR6 mRNA which was expressed at the outer part of the inner nuclear layer. The mGluR4 mRNA was expressed on the cell bodies of the ganglion cells, but not in the inner or outer nuclear layer. The expression of mGluR7 mRNA was observed throughout the entire region of the inner nuclear layer and on the cell bodies of the ganglion cells.