The distribution of AMPA-selective glutamate receptor
subunits was studied in the cat retina using antisera against
GluR1 and GluR2/3. Both antisera were localized in postsynaptic
sites in the outer plexiform layer (OPL) as well as the
inner plexiform layer (IPL). Immunoreactivity for GluR1
was seen in a subpopulation of OFF cone bipolar cells and
a number of amacrine and ganglion cells. Within the IPL,
processes staining for GluR1 received input from OFF and
ON cone bipolar cells but not from rod bipolars. Labeling
for GluR2/3 was seen in horizontal cells, an occasional
cone bipolar cell, and numerous amacrine and ganglion cells.
In the IPL, GluR2/3 staining was postsynaptic to cone bipolar
cells in both sublaminae. AII amacrine cells which receive
rod bipolar input were also labeled for GluR2/3. With both
antisera, staining was limited to a single member of the
bipolar dyad complex, providing morphological evidence
for functional diversity in glutamatergic pathways.