The amino acid GABA plays an important role in the processing of visual information in the vertebrate retina. Carrier-mediated transport of GABA by neurons and glia is one key element in the proper functioning of GABAergic pathways. It has long been suspected that neuronal and glial transport systems for GABA in the central nervous system are distinct and have differing properties. The purpose of the proposed project is to examine structural and functional differences between neuronal and glial GABA transporters in the retina. Electrophysiological techniques, including whole- cell and perforated patch recordings, will be used to examine the properties of GABA transport in enzymatically isolated horizontal (neural) and Muller (glial) cells of the skate retina. In addition, the GABA transporters of these cells are to be cloned and then expressed in oocytes; dual-electrode voltage-clamp and giant patch recordings from oocytes will be used to examine functional and pharmacological properties. These studies should clarify the role that neuronal and glial GABA transport mechanisms play in establishing and maintaining normal retinal function.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01EY009411-08
Application #
2856913
Study Section
Visual Sciences C Study Section (VISC)
Project Start
1992-01-01
Project End
2000-12-31
Budget Start
1999-01-01
Budget End
1999-12-31
Support Year
8
Fiscal Year
1999
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Illinois at Chicago
Department
Ophthalmology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
121911077
City
Chicago
State
IL
Country
United States
Zip Code
60612