Subcellular localization of NMDA receptor protein on neuron membrane by confocal laser scanning microscopy

Objective To identify the distribution of NMDA receptor protein on neuron membrane surface and the localization of single NMDA receptor cluster. Methods The primary culture of forebrain cortex neuron of rat was set up. Then the NR1 subunit protein molecule of NMDA receptor was combined with primary antibody and marked by FITC-IgG. Contrasted with red fluorescence marked by PI in nucleolus, the green fluorescence of NR1 membrane protein were inspired and observed by confocal laser scaning microscopy. Results NMDA receptor cluster combined with FITC molecule was observed obviously as some green dots congregating together and distinguished approximately. The green dots distributed mainly on the membrane surface of dendrite and origination section of dendritic stem. Conclusion NMDA receptor protein distributes on the membrane surface of dendrite and origination section of dendritic stem. It is consistent with the distributing rule of postsynaptic membrane. The confocal laser scanning microscopy could distinguish single NMDA receptor cluster marked by immunofluorescence.