Metabotropic glutamate receptors in the hypothalamus

Glutamate, the principle excitatory transmitter in the mammalian brain, plays an important role within the hypothalamus. Its action is mediated by an interaction with specific membrane receptors, broadly classified into two main families, i.e. the ionotropic and metabotropic (mGluR) receptors. This article focuses on the mGluR family in the hypothalamus. In particular, we discuss the distribution of mGluRs in this area and their functional properties in immortalized hypothalamic neurons. Also examined is the potential role of the various mGluRs in the development of hypothalamic neurons as well as in their secretory processes. It will become apparent that mGluRs play a role in hypothalamic physiology being involved in secretory as well as non-secretory events.