Differential Expression of Group I Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors in Rat Spinal Cord Somatic and Autonomic Motoneurons: Possible Implications for the Pathogenesis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Authors: Anneser J.M.H.^{1, 2}; Domenico Borasio G.²; Berthele A.^{1, 3}; Zieglgänsberger W.¹; Tölle T.R.^{1, 3}

Source: Neurobiology of Disease, Volume 6, Number 2, April 1999 , pp. 140-147(8)

Publisher: Academic Press

Abstract:

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive loss of somatic, but not autonomic, motoneurons. The reason for this selective vulnerability is unknown. The pathogenesis of ALS is thought to involve glutamatergic excitotoxic mechanisms. While overactivation of ionotropic glutamate receptors may trigger excitotoxicity, we have previously shown that stimulation of group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) can exert neuroprotective effects on cultured motoneurons. Using in situ hybridization, we found a differential expression of group I mGluRs (mGluR1 and 5) in rat spinal cord. Autonomic motoneurons from the sacral parasympathetic Onuf's nucleus and thoracic sympathetic neurons, which are spared in ALS, express high levels of mGluR5, while somatic motoneurons do not. In addition, mGluR1 mRNA is found only in smaller somatic motoneurons, which seem to be less vulnerable in ALS. Thus, differential mGluR expression might provide a possible clue to the selective vulnerability of different motoneuronal subpopulations in ALS. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

Language: English

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Clinical Neuropharmacology, Max-Planck Institute for Psychiatry, Kraepelinstrasse 2, Munich, 80804, Germany 2: Department of Neurology, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Klinikum Grosshadern, Marchioninistrasse 15, Munich, 81377, Germany 3: Department of Neurology, Technical University, Möhlstrasse 28, Munich, 81675, Germany

Publication date: 1999-04-01

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Neurology & Psychiatry
• By this author: Anneser J.M.H. ;  Domenico Borasio G. ;  Berthele A. ;  Zieglgänsberger W. ;  Tölle T.R.

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers