We investigated the changes in distribution of the NMDA- and AMPA-receptors in the synapses in the in vitro model of the retinocollicular pathway. The model was a primary coculture of the retinal cells and superficial superior colliculus (SSC) neurons. Evoked postsynaptic currents (ePSCs) were recorded in SSC neurons in response to local electrical extracellular stimulation of the afferent retinal ganglion cells’ (RGC) axons. We analyzed the changes in the kinetic characteristics of ePSCs at different holding potentials during cocultivation. The results obtained reflect that NMDA receptors play an essential role in the formation of the retinocollicular synapses. After the formation of retinocollicular connections, the main role in the sensory signal transmission belongs to AMPA receptors. Thus, the data obtained indicate the specific dynamic changes of the functional roles of NMDA- and AMPA-receptors in the forma- tion and development of the retinocollicular synaptic contacts.
Cocaine Experience Guides Dynamic Changes in AMPA Receptors within the Nucleus Accumbens