Functional high-and low affinity agonist binding sites at native dorsal horn AMPA receptors

V. Rybalchenko, R. Schlichter

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Transmission and processing of nociceptive information in the superficial dorsal horn (DH) of the spinal cord involves activation of AMPA- type glutamate receptors (AMPARs). We have studied the properties of native AMPARs in freshly dissociated laminae I-II neurones from postnatal rats using a modified form of the concentration-clamp technique for fast agonist application. Analysis of kainic acid dose-response curves showed the existence of two types of functional agonist binding sites governing AMPAR activation. These sites differ by their affinity for the agonist. Depending on the neurotransmitter concentration reached in the synaptic cleft, the relative contribution of high affinity and low affinity sites might play an important role in the shaping of AMPAR-mediated postsynaptic currents.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1803-1806
Number of pages4
JournalNeuroReport
Volume10
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 3 1999

Keywords

  • Dorsal horn
  • Excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSC)
  • Glutamate receptors
  • Kainic acid
  • Nociception
  • Pain
  • Spinal cord

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience

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