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Article
Distribution of AMPA receptor subunits and TARPs in synaptic and extrasynaptic membranes of the adult rat nucleus accumbens
Neuroscience Letters (2011)
  • Carrie R. Ferrario, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
  • Jessica A. Loweth, Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine
  • Mike Milovanovic, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
  • Xiaoting Wang, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
  • Marina E. Wolf, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
Abstract
We characterized the distribution of AMPA receptor (AMPAR) subunits and the transmembrane AMPA receptor regulatory proteins (TARPs) γ-2 and γ-4 in adult rat nucleus accumbens (NAc) using a method that separates plasma membranes into synaptic membrane-enriched and extrasynaptic membrane-enriched fractions. We also measured GluA1 phosphorylated at serine 845 (pS845 GluA1) and serine 831 (pS831 GluA1). GluA1–3 protein levels and pS831 GluA1/total GluA1 were higher in synaptic membranes. However, pS845 GluA1/total GluA1 was higher in extrasynaptic membranes, consistent with a role for S845 phosphorylation in GluA1 insertion at extrasynaptic sites. Homeric GluA1 receptors were detected in extrasynaptic membranes, consistent with evidence for extrasynaptic Ca2+-permeable AMPARs in other systems. The TARP γ-2 was enriched in synaptic membranes, whereas γ-4 was mainly found in extrasynaptic membranes, suggesting distinct roles for these proteins in the NAc. These experiments provide fundamental information that will aid in the interpretation of studies on AMPAR-related plasticity in the NAc.
Keywords
  • addiction,
  • Ca2+-permeable AMPA receptor,
  • NMDA receptor,
  • plasticity,
  • subcellular fractionation,
  • TARP
Publication Date
January 3, 2011
DOI
10.1016/j.neulet.2010.12.036
Citation Information
Carrie R. Ferrario, Jessica A. Loweth, Mike Milovanovic, Xiaoting Wang, et al.. "Distribution of AMPA receptor subunits and TARPs in synaptic and extrasynaptic membranes of the adult rat nucleus accumbens" Neuroscience Letters Vol. 490 Iss. 3 (2011) p. 180 - 184 ISSN: 0304-3940
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/jessica-loweth/15/