Metabotropic glutamate receptor expression in rat spinal cord astrocytes in vitro and in situ

grantor: University of TorontoEvidence in the literature suggests that activation of specific sub-types of metabotmpic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) may have neuroprotective properties following traumatic and ischemic central nervous system (CNS) injuries. In order to gain an understanding of the potential mGluR-mediated neuoprotective contribution of spinal cord astrocytes following spinal cord injury (SCI), the expression patterns of these receptors was studied both in vitro, in a novel spinal cord astrocyte culture system, and in the developing and adult spinal cord, in situ. The functional properties of Group I mGluRs on cultured astrocytes was also briefly explored. A clear understanding of when and where these receptors are expressed will allow the subsequent exploration of their biochemistry and physiology, and any potential neuroprotective properties following SCI.M.Sc