Group I Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors Modulate Motility and Enteric Neural Activity in the Mouse Colon

oleh: Anita J. L. Leembruggen, Yuqing Lu, Haozhe Wang, Volkan Uzungil, Thibault Renoir, Anthony J. Hannan, Lincon A. Stamp, Marlene M. Hao, Joel C. Bornstein

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: MDPI AG 2023-01-01

Deskripsi

Glutamate is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, and there is evidence that Group-I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGlu1 and mGlu5) have established roles in excitatory neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity. While glutamate is abundantly present in the gut, it plays a smaller role in neurotransmission in the enteric nervous system. In this study, we examined the roles of Group-I mGlu receptors in gastrointestinal function. We investigated the expression of <i>Grm1</i> (mGlu1) and <i>Grm5</i> (mGlu5) in the mouse myenteric plexus using RNAscope in situ hybridization. Live calcium imaging and motility analysis were performed on ex vivo preparations of the mouse colon. mGlu5 was found to play a role in excitatory enteric neurotransmission, as electrically-evoked calcium transients were sensitive to the mGlu5 antagonist MPEP. However, inhibition of mGlu5 activity did not affect colonic motor complexes (CMCs). Instead, inhibition of mGlu1 using BAY 36-7620 reduced CMC frequency but did not affect enteric neurotransmission. These data highlight complex roles for Group-I mGlu receptors in myenteric neuron activity and colonic function.