The mammalian retina contains approximately 30 different morphological
types of amacrine cells, receiving glutamatergic input from bipolar cells.
In this study, we combined electrophysiological and pharmacological
techniques in order to study the glutamate receptors expressed by
different types of amacrine cells. Whole-cell currents were recorded from
amacrine cells in vertical slices of the mouse retina. During the
recordings the cells were filled with Lucifer Yellow/Neurobiotin
allowing classification as wide-field or narrow-field amacrine cells.
Amacrine cell recordings were also carried out in a transgenic mouse line
whose glycinergic amacrine cells express enhanced green fluorescent
protein (EGFP). Agonist-induced currents were elicited by exogenous
application of NMDA, AMPA, and kainate (KA) while holding cells at
−75 mV. Using a variety of specific agonists and antagonists (NBQX,
AP5, cyclothiazide, GYKI 52466, GYKI 53655, SYM 2081) responses mediated
by AMPA, KA, and NMDA receptors could be dissected. All cells (n
= 300) showed prominent responses to non-NMDA agonists. Some cells
expressed AMPA receptors exclusively and some cells expressed KA receptors
exclusively. In the majority of cells both receptor types could be
identified. NMDA receptors were observed in about 75% of the wide-field
amacrine cells and in less than half of the narrow-field amacrine cells.
Our results confirm that different amacrine cell types express distinct
sets of ionotropic glutamate receptors, which may be critical in
conferring their unique temporal responses to this diverse neuronal
class.