Localization of aspartate aminotransferase and cytochrome oxidase in the cat retina.
Using immunohistochemical techniques, we demonstrate aspartate aminotransferase (AAT)-like immunoreactivity in cone pedicles and ganglion cells of the cat retina. An identical pattern was seen when we stained for cytochrome oxidase activity, a marker for neurons which have a high metabolic activity. Tetrodotoxin selectively blocked the cytochrome oxidase labeling of ganglion cells. AAT is a key enzyme in the metabolism of aspartate and glutamate and has been proposed as a marker for neurons which use aspartate/glutamate as a neurotransmitter. Due to the close correlation between AAT-like immunoreactivity and cytochrome oxidase activity, we suggest that, at least in the retina, AAT-like immunoreactivity in fact labels cells which have a high metabolic activity.
Bolz
J
J
Thier
P
P
Brecha
N
N
D000818:Animals; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases / Q000378:metabolism*; D002415:Cats; D003600:Cytosol / Q000201:enzymology; D003576:Electron Transport Complex IV / Q000378:metabolism*; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D007527:Isoenzymes / Q000378:metabolism*; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000201:enzymology; D012160:Retina / Q000166:cytology / Q000201:enzymology*; D012165:Retinal Ganglion Cells / Q000502:physiology; D013779:Tetrodotoxin / Q000494:pharmacology
D007527:Isoenzymes; D013779:Tetrodotoxin; D003576:Electron Transport Complex IV; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases