Expression of glutamate receptors and calcium-binding proteins in the retina of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Abstract

This study was aimed to investigate the expression of glutamate receptors and calcium-binding proteins in 1- and 4-month/s (mo) streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Upregulation of glutamate receptors' [N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR)1 and GluR2/3] immunoreactivities was observed in the ganglion, amacrine and bipolar cells as well as in the inner and outer plexiform layers (IPL and OPL) in 1 mo diabetes and was further enhanced at 4 mo. Immunoreactivity of calcium-binding proteins (calbindin and parvalbumin) was also concomitantly increased. The present results suggest that upregulation of glutamate receptors and calcium-binding proteins may reflect changes of the glutamate and calcium metabolism in the diabetic retina. It is speculated that the above changes in the IPL and OPL may be linked to alteration of synaptic transmission in the diabetic retina.