The presence of opioid, beta-adrenergic and cholinergic receptors has been demonstrated in ciliated protozoa, but little is known about cgamma-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 alpha(1)-, alpha(2)-, alpha(3)-, alpha(6)-, beta(2/3)-, gamma(2)-, epsilon-, lambda, and theta-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 alpha(6)-, beta(2/3)- and gamma(2)-subunits was more intense than the alpha(1)-, epsilon-, and theta-subunits, suggesting that the former are present in higher concentrations than the latter.
GABAA receptor subunits identified in Paramecium by immunofluorescence confocal microscopy
Ramoino, Paola;Diaspro, Alberto Giovanni;Beltrame, Francesco;Fato, Marco Massimo;Usai, Cesare
2004-01-01
Abstract
The presence of opioid, beta-adrenergic and cholinergic receptors has been demonstrated in ciliated protozoa, but little is known about cgamma-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 alpha(1)-, alpha(2)-, alpha(3)-, alpha(6)-, beta(2/3)-, gamma(2)-, epsilon-, lambda, and theta-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 alpha(6)-, beta(2/3)- and gamma(2)-subunits was more intense than the alpha(1)-, epsilon-, and theta-subunits, suggesting that the former are present in higher concentrations than the latter.
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