Neuroexcitatory Targets in the Female Reproductive System of the Nonhuman Primate (Macaca fascicularis)

Abstract

Glutamate receptors (GluRs) have been implicated in brain function and pathology. Their presence in peripheral tissues suggests a vital role in the pathophysiology of various organ systems. In earlier studies, the authors reported the differential distribution of ionotropic and metabotropic GluRs in neural and nonneural peripheral tissues of the rat. In this study, they investigated the presence and the localization of the GluRs in the reproductive organs of Macaca fascicularis. The data illustrate the presence of the GluR 2/3, metabotropic glutamate receptor 2/3, kainate 2, and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 1 (NMDAR 1). These are localized in the different structures of the ovaries, uterine cervix, myometrium, endometrium, and inflammatory cells. Smooth muscle of the myometrium and arterioles showed strong immunolabeling with anti-GluR 2/3 and, to a lesser intensity, with the other ionotropic glutamate receptor antibodies. NMDAR 1 showed the most widespread staining in all the structures. Mast cells showed strong immunolabeling with the anti-NMDA antibody. The demonstration and the differential expression of GluRs in the female reproductive system of nonhuman primate experimental models provide first evidence suggesting excitatory signaling in these tissues.