Differential distributions of the NMDA receptor channel subunit mRNAs in the mouse retina.

In the retina, the epsilon 2 and zeta 1 subunit mRNAs of the NMDA receptor channel were expressed from embryonic stages and found in ganglion cell layer and whole layer of inner nuclear layer at postnatal day 21 (P21). The epsilon 1 subunit mRNA appeared postnatally and was distributed in ganglion cell layer and an inner third of inner nuclear layer at P21. These findings suggest that molecular organization of the NMDA receptor channel may alter during the retinal development.