Localization of the AMPA subunit GluR2 in the outer plexiform layer of goldfish retina

L‐glutamate, the photoreceptor neurotransmitter, depolarizes horizontal cells and OFF bipolar cells by ionotropic AMPA‐glutamate receptors. The AMPA‐receptor subunit (GluR4) is localized to dendrites of OFF bipolar cells in goldfish retina. Here, we used immunohistochemical techniques to identify AMPA‐receptor subunits on horizontal cell dendrites. A monoclonal antibody against rat GluR2, with high sequence homology to the recently cloned goldfish GluR2a receptor, was used for light‐ and electron‐microscopical immunocytochemistry. Light‐ and dark‐adapted retinas were analyzed, with no major difference in results. GluR2‐immunoreactivity (IR) was restricted to a narrow band in the outer plexiform layer, in which it appeared as bright dome‐shaped structures amidst numerous puncta. At the ultrastructural level, GluR2‐IR was found in horizontal cell dendrites that invaginated cones and rods. Dendrites of OFF bipolar cells were not labeled. GluR2‐IR was present mostly in horizontal cell dendrites that were the lateral elements of the triad, rather than in dendrites that were the central elements. In light‐adapted retinas, GluR2‐IR was found in many horizontal cell spinules. GluR2‐IR was observed, on occasion, in a mixed rod/cone (Mb) ON bipolar cell process that innervated rod spherules. Verification of the Mb ON bipolar cell was made by protein kinase C and metabotropic mGluR1α immunolabeling. The presence of GluR2‐IR in lateral elements suggests that lateral horizontal cell dendrites are postsynaptic to cones rather than only sites of feedback inhibition. All horizontal cell types express the GluR2 subunit, uniquely differentiating themselves from OFF bipolar cells that express the GluR4 subunit. This differentiation most likely has a major influence on the glutamate pharmacology and response kinetics of these cell types to glutamate. J. Comp. Neurol. 441:155–167, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.