Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are a group of G-protein-coupled receptors that exert a broad array of modulatory actions at excitatory synapses of the central nervous system. In the hippocampus, the selective activation of the different mGluRs modulates the intrinsic excitability, the strength of synaptic transmission, and induces multiple forms of long-term plasticity. Despite the relevance of mGluRs in the normal function of the hippocampus, we know very little about the changes that mGluRs functionality undergoes during the non-pathological aging. Here, we review data concerning the physiological actions of mGluRs, with particular emphasis on hippocampal area CA3. Later, we examine changes in the expression and functionality of mGluRs during the aging process. We complement this review with original data showing an array of electrophysiological modifications observed in the synaptic transmission and intrinsic excitability of aged CA3 pyramidal cells in response to the pharmacological stimulation of the different mGluRs.

中文翻译：

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老化苔藓纤维处的代谢型谷氨酸受体 - 海马的 CA3 突触。

代谢型谷氨酸受体 (mGluRs) 是一组 G 蛋白偶联受体，在中枢神经系统的兴奋性突触中发挥广泛的调节作用。在海马体中，不同 mGluR 的选择性激活可调节内在兴奋性、突触传递的强度，并诱导多种形式的长期可塑性。尽管 mGluRs 与海马的正常功能相关，但我们对 mGluRs 功能在非病理性衰老过程中发生的变化知之甚少。在这里，我们回顾了有关 mGluR 生理作用的数据，特别强调了海马区 CA3。后来，我们检查了衰老过程中 mGluRs 的表达和功能的变化。