Open AccessGABA A receptor subunits identified in Paramecium by immunofluorescence confocal microscopy
Author(s) -
Ramoino Paola,
Scaglione Silvia,
Diaspro Alberto,
Beltrame Francesco,
Fato Marco,
Usai Cesare
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
fems microbiology letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.899
H-Index - 151
eISSN - 1574-6968
pISSN - 0378-1097
DOI - 10.1111/j.1574-6968.2004.tb09788.x
Subject(s) - confocal microscopy , receptor , cytoplasm , gabaa receptor , microbiology and biotechnology , paramecium , confocal , biology , immunofluorescence , neurotransmitter receptor , protein subunit , cholinergic , chemistry , biochemistry , biophysics , antibody , endocrinology , immunology , geometry , mathematics , gene
The presence of opioid, β‐adrenergic and cholinergic receptors has been demonstrated in ciliated protozoa, but little is known about γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors. In this study we have analyzed the distribution of GABA A ‐type receptor subunits in Paramecium . Confocal laser microscopy using antibodies specific for α 1 ‐, α 2 ‐, α 3 ‐, α 6 ‐, β 2/3 ‐, γ 2 ‐, ε‐, λ‐, and θ‐subunits showed that most receptors are aggregated in clusters and are distributed both on cell surface and in the cytoplasm. The intensity of labelling of the α 6 ‐, β 2/3 ‐ and γ 2 ‐subunits was more intense than the α 1 ‐, ε‐, and θ‐subunits, suggesting that the former are present in higher concentrations than the latter.