Expression of a Variant Form of the Glutamate Transporter GLT1 in Neuronal Cultures and in Neurons and Astrocytes in the Rat Brain

• DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.22-06-02142.2002
• Publication Date: 2018-04-13T22:30:10Z
• Authors: Weizhi Chen; Chiye Aoki; Veeravan Mahadomr...; Christian E. Gruber; Guang Jian Wang; Rachel Blitzblau; Nina Irwin; Paul A. Rosenberg
• Keywords: Forebrain; Excitotoxicity

To identify glutamate transporters expressed in forebrain neurons, we prepared a cDNA library from rat neuronal cultures, previously shown to transport with high affinity and capacity. Using this library, cloned two forms, varying the C terminus, of transporter GLT1. This was found be localized exclusively astrocytes normal mature brain. Specific antibodies against C-terminal peptides were used show that neurons culture express both GLT1a GLT1b proteins. The pharmacological properties mediated by COS-7 cells cultures indistinguishable. Both upregulated astrocyte exposure dibutyryl cAMP. We next investigated expression vivo. Northern blot analysis RNA revealed transcripts approximately 3 11 kb became more plentiful developmental age. Immunoblot showed levels cortex, hippocampus, striatum, thalamus, midbrain. Pre-embedding electron microscopic immunocytochemistry silver-enhanced immunogold detection localize In somatosensory clearly presynaptic terminals dendritic shafts, as well astrocytes. presence may offer partial explanation for observed uptake terminals, preservation input specificity at excitatory synapses, play role pathophysiology excitotoxicity.