Expression and localization of gamma-aminobutyric acid A (GABAA) receptor alpha 1 subunit and L-glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) mRNAs in rat retina: an analysis by in situ hybridization.

The localization of the mRNAs encoding gamma-aminobutyric acidA receptor alpha 1 subunit (GABAA alpha 1) and L-glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) was elucidated in the rat retina by in situ hybridization. Soma diameter analysis of signal positive cells in the ganglion cell layer demonstrated that a subpopulation including alpha-cells of retinal ganglion cells expressed GABAA alpha 1 mRNA and a subpopulation of ganglion cells smaller than alpha-cells expressed GAD mRNA.