Distribution of metabotropic glutamate receptors in the parabrachial and Kölliker–Fuse nuclei of the rat

Abstract

In the present study, we analysed the distribution and cellular localization of metabotropic glutamate receptors (1 α, 2/3, 5) in parabrachial and Kölliker–Fuse nuclei using subtype-specific antisera. Immunolabelling revealed that different nuclei express different sets of metabotropic glutamate receptors. Metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 α immunoreactivity was found in the Kölliker–Fuse nucleus and in several parabrachial nuclei, including the waist area, lateral crescent, medial, external medial and ventral lateral nuclei. The external lateral and internal lateral parabrachial nuclei were devoid of metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 α immunoreactivity. Metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 immunoreactivity was observed in the Kölliker–Fuse and in the medial parabrachial nuclei, while in the remaining nuclei the staining was very weak. Again, the external lateral nucleus was devoid of metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 immunoreactivity. The metabotropic glutamate receptor 2/3 antisera stained all lateral parabrachial nuclei as well as the Kölliker–Fuse nucleus, while staining in the medial parabrachial nucleus was weak. Metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 α immunoreactivity was observed on presumed dendritic profiles, while metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 immunoreactivity was found predominantly on neuronal cell bodies. Metabotropic glutamate receptor 2/3 immunoreactivity was present as a fine, punctate immunostaining in the neuropil. Our data suggest that glutamate release in the parabrachial and Kölliker–Fuse nuclei might induce a variety of second messenger cascades, as indicated by the presence or absence of certain types of metabotropic glutamate receptors.