Early Music Exposure Modify The Expression Level Of GluR2 Protein In Auditory Cortex And Anterior Cingulate Cortex Of Rat

GluR2, usually a main part of AMPA receptor, contributing to the regulation of Ca2+ influx, plays an important role in the brain excitatory activity. So it is meaningfully to study the developmental expression pattern of GluR2 proteins as well as the effects on the expression resulting from environments and experiences, which will reveal the roles of GluR2 and AMPA receptors in the developmental plasticity of CNS.Here we used Western Blotting method to the developmental expression pattern of GluR2 proteins in auditory cortex and anterior cinguiated cortex in SD rats. Also, we detected the changes of expression of GluR2 proteins in rats exposed to music. Our results provided evidences to reveal the mechanism of the plasticity of development in sensory function.1. Age-dependent expression pattern of AMPA receptors subunit GluR2 proteins in rat auditory cortex and anterior cinguiated cortexWestern blotting method was used to detect the expression changes of GluR2 at different postnatal time points. Results showed an increasing age-dependent expression of GluR2, which might be related to the functional development of auditory cortex and anterior cinguiated cortex.2. Effects of early music exposure on the age-dependent expression of GluR2 subunit proteins in auditory cortex and anterior cinguiated cortexRats were exposed to two kinds of music: Music1 and Music2, at postnatal days (PND) 28, 42, and 56 (from PND14, usually be thought as the beginning of 'critical period')in auditory cortex (AC) and anterior cingulatecortex (ACC). Marked up-trend expression are presented in AC of the rats exposed to music2 at all age detected; and surprisingly, music1 exposed groups showed no significance by comparison with normal rats.In the ACC, we found remarkable discrepancy in expression of GluR2 between music exposed group and control group at PND42 and 56 between music2 group and control , but no statistical significance between the music1 group and control), while no obvious changes at PND28. Our survey indicated that exposure to music can modify the expression level of GluR2 protein in AC and ACC.