Localization of L-glutamate decarboxylase immunoreactivity in the major pelvic ganglion and in the coeliac-superior mesenteric ganglion complex of the rat.
The localization of L-glutamate decarboxylase (GAD), the GABA-synthesizing enzyme, was studied in the rat major pelvic ganglion and in the coeliac-superior mesenteric ganglion complex by indirect immunofluorescence technique with a specific antiserum raised in rabbits. GAD immunoreactivity was demonstrated in small cells of these ganglia. The GAD-immunoreactive small cells were 10-20 microns in diameter and formed clusters or occurred as solitary cells. The principal neurons were non-reactive but they were surrounded by immunoreactive processes. Studies on colocalization of GAD with tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the rate-limiting enzyme of the catecholamine synthesis, in the major pelvic ganglion and in the coeliac-superior mesenteric ganglion complex indicated that all GAD-immunoreactive small cells were also labelled with TH. In the major pelvic ganglion all TH-immunoreactive SIF cells were also immunoreactive for GAD. However, in the coeliac-superior mesenteric ganglion complex there occurred TH-immunoreactive small cells which showed no immunoreactivity to GAD. It is suggested that the small GAD-immunoreactive cells represent small intensely fluorescent (SIF) cells.
Karhula
T
T
Department of Anatomy, University of Helsinki, Finland.
Häppölä
O
O
Joh
T
T
Wu
J Y
JY
D000818:Animals; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D005724:Ganglia / Q000201:enzymology*; D005728:Ganglia, Sympathetic / Q000201:enzymology; D005968:Glutamate Decarboxylase / Q000378:metabolism*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D014446:Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase / Q000378:metabolism; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000096:biosynthesis
D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D014446:Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase; D005968:Glutamate Decarboxylase