Developmental expression of glycine receptor subunits in rat cerebellum

The distribution of the glycine receptor subunits α1–3 and β in the developing rat cerebellum was studied from postnatal day 1 to adulthood by means of quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. qRT-PCR of postnatal cerebella indicated the presence of mRNA for each subunit, with a relative expression of α2 > α3 > α1 > β. The immunohistochemistry indicated a strong α2 signal in the Purkinje cells, internal and external granular layers. The α1–3 subunits had weak signals in the Purkinje cells and molecular layer. The α1 subunit was expressed at a low level and was also found in the white matter. The function of these receptors in neuronal and glial plasma membranes in early postnatal development remains to be determined.