Subcellular localization of the α7 nicotinic receptor in rat cerebellar granule cell layer

Abstract

THE distribution of the α₇ nicotinic receptor subunit in the rat cerebellum was studied immunohistochemically at the electron microscope level using an α₇ subunitspecific antibody. The granule cell layer showed a much lower level of immunoreactivity for the α₇ subunit than the Purkinje cell layer. Granule cell somata were completely devoid of labeling; this appeared to be restricted to glomeruli exclusively located in the membranes of granule cell dendrites. The α₇ immunolabeling was located not at active synaptic areas but was mostly perisynaptic. This localization suggests that nicotinic receptors containing the α₇ subunit could have a modulatory function and/or play a direct role in the generation of synaptic currents.