Chandelier cell axons are immunoreactive for GAT-1 in the human neocortex

Neuroreport. 1998 Feb 16;9(3):467-70. doi: 10.1097/00001756-199802160-00020.

Abstract

We have examined the pattern of immunostaining for the high-affinity GABA transporter GAT-1 in the human temporal neocortex. Immunocytochemistry for GAT-1 labels terminal-like puncta in the neuropil and around unstained cell bodies. The characteristic terminal portions of chandelier cell axons (Ch-terminals, which form multiple inhibitory GABAergic synaptic contacts with the axon initial segments of pyramidal cells) were among the strongest immunocytochemically stained elements for GAT-1. Since Ch-terminals are immunoreactive for the calcium-binding protein parvalbumin, experiments were carried out to study the co-localization of GAT-1 and parvalbumin in Ch-terminals. These experiments showed that the vast majority of Ch-terminals immunoreactive for GAT-1 were also immunoreactive for PV. We concluded that GAT-1 transporter may have an important functional role in controlling pyramidal cell activity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Axons / chemistry*
  • Carrier Proteins / analysis*
  • GABA Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Interneurons / chemistry*
  • Interneurons / ultrastructure
  • Membrane Proteins / analysis*
  • Membrane Transport Proteins*
  • Neocortex / chemistry*
  • Neocortex / ultrastructure
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / analysis*
  • Organic Anion Transporters*
  • Pyramidal Cells / chemistry*
  • Pyramidal Cells / ultrastructure
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / metabolism*

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • GABA Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Membrane Transport Proteins
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Organic Anion Transporters
  • SLC6A1 protein, human
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid