Differential localization of GABA_A receptor α and β subunits in the hamster retina and relationship with glutamic acid decarboxylase immunoreactivity

In order to determine the cellular localization of GABA_Aα and β subunits in the hamster retina, single and double immunocytochemistry was performed in perfuse-fixed hamster retina using commercially-available antibodies against the two receptor subunits and glutamic acid decarboxylase. Strong GABA_Aβ immunoreactivity was found in two strata of the inner plexiform layer and in perikarya of amacrine cells and bipolar cells in the inner nuclear layer. In contrast, no GABA_Aα immunoreactivity was detected. All but a few of the GABA_Aβ-immunoreactive amacrine cells were found not to display glutamic acid decarboxylase immunoreactivity. The present results indicate that there is a differential localization of GABA_Aα and β subunits in different neuronal subpopulations in the hamster retina. Copyright © 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.