Immunocytochemical localization of a neuronal nicotinic receptor: The β2-subunit

Joseph A Hill, Michele Zoli, Jean Pierre Bourgeois, Jean Pierre Changeux

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

205 Scopus citations

Abstract

We have characterized in adult rat the tissue-specific expression of the nicotinic ACh receptor (AChR) β2-subunit using antisera raised against fusion protein constructs. Immunohistochemical localization revealed immunoreactivity distributed throughout the neuraxis. Overall, β2-like immunoreactivity (β2-LI) correlated well with in situ localization of β2 transcript in neuronal cell bodies. Particularly strong labeling was detected in the thalamus, and scattered other regions, whereas relatively weak staining was observed in the hypothalamus and amygdala. At the cellular level, β2-LI appeared to be exclusively neuronal and concentrated predominantly in perikarya, although strongly positive dendrites (cerebral cortical pyramidal neurons, cerebellar Purkinje cells) and axon terminals (e.g., striatum) were detected. At the ultrastructural level, β2-LI was membrane associated, with strong staining observed in endoplasmic reticulum and cytoplasmic transport vesicles. β2-LI was rarely detected at synapses. The widespread distribution of β2 suggests it may serve as a common subunit in different AChR combinations in various brain regions. Regulation of the expression of β2-subunit appears to be relatively unrestrained, with an apparent excess of protein synthesized in the cytoplasm relative to that which ultimately arrives at functional targets in the plasma membrane.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1551-1568
Number of pages18
JournalJournal of Neuroscience
Volume13
Issue number4
StatePublished - 1993

Keywords

  • ACh receptor
  • CNS
  • Immmunocytochemistry
  • Nicotinic receptor
  • Rat

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience

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