Distribution of NMDA and AMPA receptors in the cerebellar cortex of rhesus macaques

The distribution of glutamate receptors in the cerebellar cortex of the rhesus macaque was examined by light microscopic immunocytochemistry using an antibody specific to the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) R1 receptor subunit (i.e. NMDAR1) as well as antibodies specific to α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) receptor subunits (i.e. GluR1, GluR2/3, and GluR4). NMDAR1 immunolabeling was most prevalent in the Purkinje cell perikarya and dendrites, but was also significant in the stellate and basket cells of the granular layer and Golgi cells of the molecular layer. On the other hand, GluR1 and GluR4 immunolabeling was concentrated principally in the processes of the Bergmann glia located in the vicinity of the Purkinje cell perikarya. Although GluR2/3 immunolabeling also occurred in these Bergmann glia processes as well as in the Bergmann fibers, it was more pronounced in the Purkinje cell perikarya and dendrites; additionally, significant GluR2/3 labeling was evident in the stellate and basket cells of the molecular layer and medium-size soma of the granular layer (most likely Golgi cells). In situ hybridization histochemistry (ISHH), using cRNA probes to NMDAR1, GluR1, GluR2, and GluR3, showed glutamate receptor mRNA distribution patterns consistent with those disclosed in the immunocytochemical study. Furthermore, the ISHH findings suggest that the positive immunocytochemical labeling of Purkinje cells with the GluR2/3 antibody is most likely due to the gene expression of both GluR2 and GluR3 AMPA receptor subtypes. Taken together, the results are potentially important for the elucidation of mechanisms that control aspects of cerebellar function, such as long-term depression.