Ionotropic purinergic receptors P2X in frog and turtle retina: glial and neuronal localization.

Purinergic signaling is represented in both the peripheral and central nervous system (CNS), and in particular in the retina, which may be regarded as a part of the CNS. While purigenic signaling is relatively well studied in mammalian retinas, little is known about it in retinas of lower vertebrates. The aim of present study was to investigate, using immunocytochemistry, the distribution of purinoreceptors P2X in retinas of frog and turtle, which are appropriate models of the brain neuron-to-glia interactions.

NR2C and NR2D subunits of NMDA receptors in frog and turtle retina.

Glutamate NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors are widely distributed in the central nervous system where they are involved in cognitive processes, motor control and many other functions. They are also well studied in the retina, which may be regarded as a biological model of the nervous system. However, little is known about NR2C and NR2D subunits of NMDA receptors, which have some specific features as compared to other subunits.

Immunocytochemical study of NR1, NR2A and NR2B subunits of NMDA receptor in frog retina (Rana ridibunda).

The NMDA receptors are ionotropic glutamate receptors that are involved in a variety of functions in the nervous system and in particular in the retina. They are composed of NR1 and NR2 subunits. The NMDA receptors have been fairly well studied in the retina of mammals, however, there is only limited information concerning these receptors in the retinas of lower vertebrates.