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PubMed1979

Cellular and subcellular mechanisms of cardiac pacemaker oscillations.

Rhythmic oscillations in the membrane potential of heart cells are important in normal cardiac pacemaker activity as well as cardiac arrhythmias. Two fundamentally different mechanisms of oscillatory activity can be distinguished at the cellular and subcellular level. The first mechanism, referred to as a surface membrane oscillator, can be represented by a control loop in which membrane potential changes evoke delayed conductance changes and vice versa. Since the surface membrane potential is a key variable within the control loop, the oscillation can be interrupted at any time by holding the membrane potential constant with a voltage clamp. This mode of oscillation seems to describe spontaneous pacemaker activity in the primary cardiac pacemaker (sinoatrial node) as well as other regions (Purkinje fibre, atrial or ventricular muscle). In all tissues studied so far, the pacemaker depolarization is dominated by the slow shutting-off of an outward current, largely carried by potassium ions. The second mechanism can be called an internal oscillator since it depends upon a subcellular rhythm generator which is largely independent from the surface membrane. Under voltage clamp, the existence of the internal oscillation is revealed by the presence of oscillations in membrane conductance or contractile force which occur even though the membrane potential is held fixed. The two oscillatory mechanisms are not mutually exclusive; the subcellular mechanism can be preferentially enhanced in any given cardiac cell by conditions which elevate intracellular calcium. Such conditions include digitalis intoxication, high Cao, low Nao, low or high Ko, cooling, or rapid stimulation. Several lines of evidence suggest that the subcellular mechanism involves oscillatory variations in myoplasmic calcium, probably due to cycles of Ca uptake and release by the sarcoplasmic reticulum. The detailed nature of the Cai oscillator and its interaction with the surface membrane await further investigation.

Animals↗

PubMed1983

Subcellular compartments and protein topogenesis.

A cell is surrounded by a plasma membrane. It contains various organelles, most of which are enclosed by limiting membranes. The intracellular space is thus divided into a number of subcellular compartments. Structurally, a cell is composed of membranes and the spaces enclosed by those membranes. In order to classify these compartments, the extracellular space has been designated S1 and whenever a unit membrane structure is crossed to arrive at the next space, one is added to term; the cytoplasmic space becomes S2, the intraluminal space of the endoplasmic reticulum and the intermembrane space of the mitochondria S3, and the matrix space of the mitochondria S4. Similarly, the plasma membrane is M1, the outer membrane of the mitochondria M2, and the inner counterpart M3. This classification of the subcellular compartments is useful in understanding a number of complicated cellular structures and functions. The intracellular transport of newly synthesized protein (protein topogenesis) and the probable development of subcellular organelles during phylogenesis of eukaryotic cells is discussed in terms of these subcellular compartments.

Bacteria↗

PubMed1991

Subcellular distribution of beta-carotene, retinol, and alpha-tocopherol in porcine lymphocytes after a single injection of beta-carotene.

The subcellular distribution of beta-carotene, retinol, and alpha-tocopherol in lymphocytes was studied in pigs (50 to 55 kg) injected once with 0, 20, or 40 mg of beta-carotene. Blood was sampled at 0, 24, 48, and 72 h postinjection. Plasma beta-carotene in treated pigs peaked at 24 h and decreased rapidly thereafter. Beta-carotene was found in all subcellular fractions of lymphocytes. Concentrations in nuclei mirrored changes in plasma. However, beta-carotene in mitochondria and cytosol peaked at 24 h, whereas that in microsomes peaked at 48 h. Concentrations in the latter three subcellular fractions remained high at 48 and 72 h even though plasma beta-carotene had decreased to very low concentrations. Peak concentrations of beta-carotene were highest in the nuclei, intermediate in the mitochondria and microsomes, and lowest in the cytosol. Treatment did not influence concentrations of retinol or alpha-tocopherol in the various subcellular fractions. These data provide more compelling evidence for the possible role of beta-carotene in lymphocytes.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

Effect of short-termed pancreatic duct obstruction on the pancreatic subcellular organellar fragility and pancreatic lysosomal enzyme secretion in rabbits.

We studied the effect of short-term (3 h) pancreatic duct obstruction (PDO) on the exocrine pancreas and on the secretion of lysosomal enzymes into the pancreatic juice of rabbits during stimulation by pancreatic secretagogues. The following evaluations were made: serum amylase levels, pancreatic water content, pancreatic amylase, trypsinogen and cathepsin B content, and output of pancreatic enzymes and lysosomal hydrolases when stimulated by secretin and caerulein as well as the distribution of cathepsin B in subcellular fraction. Cellular fragility (LDH leakage from dispersed acini) and subcellular organellar fragility (cathepsin B leakage from lysosomes and malate dehydrogenase leakage from mitochondria) were also evaluated. PDO for 3 h plus secretin infusion caused a significant rise in serum amylase levels, pancreatic water content, and pancreatic amylase and trypsinogen content due to congestion of digestive enzymes during PDO. There was also a redistribution of cathepsin B from the lysosomal fraction to the zymogen fraction and increased cellular and subcellular organellar fragility. In normal rabbits and in those with only secretin infusion, caerulein stimulated the secretion of cathepsin B into pancreatic juice. Just after PDO, the secretion of cathepsin B, amylase and trypsinogen significantly decreased. By 24 h after PDO, the output of cathepsin B stimulated by caerulein and secretin had increased significantly. Amylase and trypsinogen output were also significantly increased at this stage, in both the secretin and caerulein fractions. These results indicate that the secretion of lysosomal enzymes into pancreatic juice is stimulated by gut hormones, such as caerulein, in the normal physiological state and in pathological states, such as PDO. These results also show an important role of increased cellular and subcellular organellar fragility in the pathogenesis of pancreatic injuries induced by PDO and augmented secretion of both lysosomal enzymes and pancreatic digestive enzymes in the recovery stage after PDO and their important roles at this stage. Lysosome enzymes also seem to play some physiological roles in the pancreatic ductal system in normal physiological states as well as their roles in pathological states, because cathepsin B can activate trypsinogen, and trypsin can activate many other enzymes.

Amylases↗

PubMed2001

[Alteration of subcellular distribution of protein kinase C isoforms in swelling-activated multi-drug-resistant gastric cancer cells and its significance].

OBJECTIVE: To study the alteration of expression and subcellular distribution of classical protein kinase (cPKC) isoforms in gastric cancer cells SGC7901 and their multidrug-resistant cell line SGC7901/VCR under condition of swelling activation and to study the significance of such alterations. METHODS: Immuno-fluorescence technique and Western Blotting were used to determine the expression and subcellular distribution of cPKC isoforms in gastric cancer cells SGC7901 and its multidrug-resistant cell line SGC7901/VCR under normal condition and during continuous hypotonic perfusion. The co-expression of p-glycoprotein (Pgp) and protein kinase C alpha (PKC alpha) was visualized by immunofluorescence double labeling and laser confocus microscopy. RESULTS: Under the normal condition, the four isoenzymes of cPKC were expressed in both the cell membrane and the nuclei of the gastric cancer cells SGC7901 and their multidrug-resistant cell line SGC7901/VCR; PKC alpha was strongly positively expressed in the multidrug-resistant cells and positively expressed in the drug-sensitive cells; PKC beta I and PKC beta II were positively expressed in both drug-resistant and drug-sensitive cells, and PKC gamma was strongly positively expressed in both cells. In drug-resistant cell line, cell-swelling and translocation of PKC alpha and PKC gamma were observed ten minutes after continuous hypotonic perfusion. Thirty minutes after the perfusion, almost all the PKCalpha was translocated into the cell membrane of SGC7901/VCR, part of the PKC gamma was translocated into the nucleus, and the cell volume increased to two to three times as much as before. Sixty minutes later, the subcellular distribution of PKCalpha and PKC gamma and the cell volume returned to normal. In drug-sensitive cells, 10 approximately 20 minutes after the continuous hypotonic perfusion nearly all the PKCalpha was translocated into the cell membrane, part of PKC gamma was translocated into the cell membrane, and the cell volume increased to two to three times as much as before. Forty minutes later, PKCalpha and PKCgamma had basically returned to normal. The subcellular distribution of PKCbeta I and PKC beta II remained unchanged in both SGC7901 and SGC7901/VCR. Co-expression of Pgy and PKCalpha was observed in both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant cells, especially in the former. CONCLUSION: Only PKCalpha and PKC gamma isoforms play an important role in the regulation of signal transduction of Pgy and cell volume under continuous perfusion and are related to the expression of PKC alpha and Pgy. PKC beta I and PKC beta II may have nothing to do with such processes.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

PubMed1992

Mechanisms of subcellular cytosolic Ca2+ signaling evoked by stimulation of the vasopressin V1a receptor.

Receptor activation may result in distinct subcellular patterns of Ca2+ release. To define the subcellular distribution of Ca2+i signals induced by stimulation of the vasopressin V1a receptor, we expressed the cloned receptor in Xenopus oocytes. Oocytes were then loaded with fluo-3 and observed using confocal microscopy. Vasopressin induced a single concentric wave of increased Ca2+ that radiated inward from the plasma membrane. With submaximal stimulation, however, regions of the Ca2+ wave spontaneously reorganized into repetitive (oscillatory) waves. Focal stimulation of a small part of the plasma membrane resulted in a Ca2+ wave which began at the point of stimulation, radiated toward the center of the cell, then reorganized into multiple foci of repetitive, colliding waves and spirals of increased Ca2+i. The pattern of Ca2+ signaling induced by focal or global stimulation was not altered in Ca(2+)-free medium, although signals did not propagate as fast. Finally, subcellular Ca2+ signaling patterns induced by vasopressin were inhibited by caffeine, while neither vasopressin nor microinjection of inositol trisphosphate blocked caffeine-induced increases in cytosolic Ca2+. Thus, stimulation of the V1a receptor in this cell system induces a complex pattern of Ca2+ signaling which is influenced by (1) the magnitude of the stimulus, (2) the distribution of the surface receptors that are stimulated, and (3) mobilization of Ca2+ from the extracellular space as well as from two distinct endogenous Ca2+ pools. The manner in which a single type of receptor is activated may represent an important potential mechanism for subcellular Ca2+i signaling.

Animals↗

PubMed1990

Endothelial nitric oxide generating enzyme(s) in the bovine aorta: subcellular location and metabolic characterization.

The metabolic production of nitric oxide (NO) from bovine endothelial homogenates and subcellular fractions was examined. NO was quantified using a sensitive and specific ozone redox-chemiluminescence detector. Endogenously produced NO was detected in the headspace gas of bovine vascular endothelial homogenates supplemented with superoxide dismutase and an NADPH regenerating system, which had been incubated at 0 degrees C for 3 hr. An identical system incubated at 37 degrees C for 3 hr did not produce NO. Both superoxide dismutase and an NADPH regenerating system were required for observing endogenous NO production from endothelial homogenates. Among the various endothelial subcellular fractions tested, only the 1000 x g supernatant manifested significant generation of endogenous NO. Addition of 1.4 mM L-arginine (but not D-arginine, L-citrulline or L-lysine) resulted in significant enhancement of NO production from the 15,500 and 210,000 x g pellet fractions. L-arginine did not stimulate NO production from either homogenates or subcellular fractions of coronary vascular smooth muscle cells. Exogenously added calcium or magnesium was not required for NO generation in the 210,000 x g pellet stimulated with L-arginine, whereas L-canavanine (1.4 mM) and SKF 525-A (0.1 mM) significantly inhibited NO production with this preparation. Analysis of the enzyme marker data from various subcellular fractions suggests that the endothelial NO-generating enzyme system is membrane-bound and might be associated with the plasma membrane.

Animals↗

PubMed1987

Inhibition of ischemia-induced subcellular redistribution of lysosomal enzymes in the perfused rat heart by the calcium entry blocker, diltiazem.

Effect of diltiazem on subcellular distribution of lysosomal enzymes, high-energy phosphate metabolism and mechanical function in the ischemic heart was studied. Ischemia was induced by lowering the afterload pressure of the perfused working rat heart. The activities of cathepsin D, beta,N-acetylglucosaminidase and acid phosphatase were determined in the nonsedimentable and sedimentable fractions after centrifugation of the tissue extract to assess the subcellular distribution of lysosomal enzymes. After ischemia, decreases in the mechanical function and the tissue level of high-energy phosphates were observed. In addition, ischemia caused subcellular redistribution of lysosomal enzymes from the lysosomes to the cytoplasm. Reperfusion of the ischemic heart did not restore the mechanical function and the level of high-energy phosphates completely. Diltiazem (2.21 X 10(-6), 1.11 X 10(-5) and 2.21 X 10(-5) M) was provided for the heart 5 min before the onset of ischemia. Diltiazem preserved high-energy phosphates in the ischemic heart, and inhibited the subcellular redistribution of lysosomal enzymes being caused by ischemia, depending on its concentration. Reperfusion after ischemia with diltiazem recovered the mechanical function that had been decreased by ischemia. These results may indicate that diltiazem can protect the myocardium against ischemic damage.

Acetylglucosaminidase↗

PubMed1984

Trimethyltin retinopathy. Relationship of subcellular response to neuronal subspecialization.

Retinal neurons from rats acutely intoxicated with trimethyltin (TMT) were examined by light and electron microscopy to determine if there is a relationship between the subcellular response of a neuron to TMT and its morphologic subspecialization. Subcellular pathologic alterations were present in neurons from all three cellular layers of the sensory retina. However, the type and degree of subcellular response varied among the highly subspecialized neurons of the different retinal layers. Clusters of dense-cored vesicles and tubules were mainly limited to neurons of the ganglion-cell layer, large accumulations of dense bodies were mainly limited to neurons of the inner nuclear layer, and neuronal necrosis was mainly limited to the photoreceptor cells. The inner segment of the photoreceptor cell shared with the perikaryon of more conventional neurons a special vulnerability to TMT cytotoxicity. Our results suggest that the morphologic subspecialization of neurons affects the type and the degree of subcellular response to TMT.

Animals↗

PubMed1976

Subcellular fractions of vascular smooth muscle exhibiting calcium transport properties.

Vascular smooth muscle relies on two general sources of activator calcium, one the extracellular fluid and the other intracellular sites in the coupling between stimulation at the external membrane and tension development. Electron microscopic studies have demonstrated at least two subcellular elements, mitochondria and sarcoplasmic reticulum, that may participate in the release and/or sequestration of this activator calcium. In order to obtain quantitative answers to questions concerning the rates of calcium transport by these subcellular elements attempts to use differential centrifugation to obtain subcellular fractions from whole muscle homogenate have been reported. Mitochondrial enriched preparations have received little quantitative study as yet, although they possess active calcium uptake mechanisms. Nonmitochondrial preparations having active calcium uptake mechanisms have been found in a variety of smooth muscles. The method of preparation and properties of these nonmitochondrial preparations show a great deal of variation, indicating they are probably a heterogeneous mixture of sarcoplasmic reticulum and plasma membrane. Some preliminary experiments on the effects of vasoactive agents and cyclic AMP on the calcium transport by these nonmitochondrial preparations have yielded conflicting results. Resolution of these problems awaits clear identification of the calcium transport mechanisms with their appropriate subcellular structure.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

The specific subcellular localization of two isoforms of cytochrome b5 suggests novel targeting pathways.

Two forms of cytochrome b5 are present in rat tissues, with a sequence identity of approximately 60% in the cytoplasmically exposed, tryptic fragments (Lederer, F., Ghrir, R., Guiard, B., Cortial, S., and Ito, A. (1983) Eur. J. Biochem. 132, 95-102). It has been suggested that the two isoforms have partially overlapping subcellular distributions, with each form localized to some extent on both endoplasmic reticulum and outer mitochondrial membranes (Ito, A. (1980) J. Biochem. (Tokyo) 87, 73-80). To investigate the degree of specificity of the localization of cytochrome b5 isoforms, we studied their subcellular distributions with antipeptide antibodies, one specific for microsomal cytochrome b5, one specific for outer membrane cytochrome b, and one against a sequence common to the two cytochromes. We first identified outer membrane Cyt b as a tightly bound, Triton X-114-extractable, 23-kDa polypeptide. We then analyzed biochemically characterized rat liver subcellular fractions by Western blotting and found that outer mitochondrial membrane cytochrome b was not present on endoplasmic reticulum membranes. Conversely, microsomal cytochrome b5 was present on outer mitochondrial membranes in extremely low concentration, at a level < 5% of that on endoplasmic reticulum membranes. Thus, the subcellular distribution of microsomal cytochrome b5 is more restricted than previously thought, suggesting that novel posttranslational targeting mechanisms direct it to the endoplasmic reticulum.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1999

Subcellular fractionation and association with the cytoskeleton of messengers encoding myelin proteins.

The targeting of polypeptides to restricted cytoplasmic domains by means of mRNA sorting is a widespread phenomena utilized by many cell types. In the central nervous system, in situ hybridization analysis has shown previously that the mRNAs encoding several myelin-specific proteins are specifically located within the myelinating processes of oligodendrocytes. Here, by means of biochemical and subcellular fractionation methods, we show that a myelin fraction is selectively enriched in those mRNAs. The four major myelin basic protein (MBP) mRNAs that arise by alternative splicing of exons II and VI of the MBP gene are concentrated in this subcellular fraction. Furthermore, an interaction of MBP and MOBP 81A mRNAs with the cytoskeleton was observed. This interaction might serve to mediate the anchoring of these messengers after translocation to the subcellular site of translation.

Alternative Splicing↗

PubMed2000

Expression and subcellular localization of two isoforms of the survival motor neuron protein in different cell types.

The survival motor neuron (SMN) gene is deleted or mutated in over 98% of spinal muscular atrophy patients who show specific motoneuron loss. By performing transfection experiments with rat smn cDNA, we show that two isoforms of SMN with Mr of 32 kDa and 35 kDa are produced by the same cDNA. In cultured motoneurons, both forms colocalize in coiled bodies and not in GEMS bodies as shown for HeLa cells. Subcellular fractionation of cells acutely dissociated from rat embryonic ventral spinal cord shows that the two SMN isoforms have a different subcellular localization, namely, that the 32 kDa isoform is enriched in the cytosol, whereas the 35 kDa isoform is segregating in the microsomal fraction. We show that the 35 kDa isoform of SMN is part of an insoluble complex but is absent from the cytoplasmic membranes and from the mitochondria. Immunostaining studies show that neither SMN isoform colocalizes with Bcl-2, the mitochondrial antiapoptotic protein suggested to bind to SMN in HeLa cells. Our results show that the isoforms of SMN protein have different subcellular localization and may therefore play independent biological roles. Moreover, the absence of colocalization of SMN with Bcl-2 in motoneurons suggests that some of the interactors of SMN may vary depending on the cell type, and this underscores the importance of identifying motoneuron-specific SMN interactors.

3T3 Cells↗

PubMed2000

1,25(OH)(2)-vitamin D(3) affects the subcellular distribution of protein kinase C isoenzymes in rat duodenum: influence of aging.

We have previously shown that the steroid hormone 1, 25-dihydroxy-vitamin D(3) [1,25(OH)(2)D(3)] stimulates total cell protein kinase C (PKC) activity in rat duodenum, an effect that is severely impaired in old animals. We further examined the role of 1, 25(OH)(2)D(3) on PKC as it relates to aging by measuring hormone-induced changes in subcellular localization of PKC activity and isoenzymes in duodenal mucosae from young (three-month-old) and aged (24-month-old) rats. Short treatment of duodenum with 1, 25(OH)(2)D(3) (0.1 nM, 1 min) increased membrane-associated PKC activity, whereas it decreased the activity in the cytosol of young rats but was without significant effect in aged animals. Furthermore, the ability to translocate was present in young animals after a short treatment with the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol 13-acetate (TPA; 100 nM) or dioctanoyl-glycerol (50 microM), whereas the ability was absent in aged rats, suggesting that PKC function was impaired with aging independent of agonist stimulation. The expression of specific PKC isoenzymes and changes in their subcellular distribution after short exposure of the duodenum to the hormone were determined. Western blot analysis of total homogenates using antibodies to various PKC isoforms allowed detection of PKC alpha, beta, and delta. The expression of the straight theta and the zeta isoforms was in addition demonstrated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The pattern of isoenzymes present in the duodenum was unaffected by aging. In young rats, 1, 25(OH)(2)D(3) translocates PKC alpha, beta, and delta to the membrane and nucleus; however, no translocation of PKC isoforms was observed in 24-month-old animals in response to the hormone. In summary, in rat duodenum, 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) modulation of PKC activity and isoenzyme subcellular distribution are impaired with aging and may explain age-induced alterations in the intestinal processes under the control of the hormone.

Aging↗

PubMed2001

Subcellular level variation in protein accumulation of the halophylic yeast Debaryomyces hansenii grown under conditions of high osmolarity.

We have analyzed electrophoretic profiles of polypeptides extracted from various cell compartments of the yeast Debaryomyces hansenii, cultured under high osmolarity and under control conditions. We tested the effect of high concentrations of solutes with an osmotic component (sorbitol), and with osmotic and ionic components combined (NaCl or KCl). Densitometric analyses of the extracted polypeptides indicated that the stressing solutes had a differential effect on the relative concentration of total proteins as well as in proteins extracted from three subcellular compartments. Sorbitol caused a significant decrease in the concentration of various polypeptides associated with the mitochondria and the cytoplasm. By contrast, sodium ions elicited marked increases in concentration in four cytoplasmic polypeptides. KCl did not have a major effect in any of the subcellular compartments. Polypeptides were grouped as having a general osmotic response, or as having a response apparently modulated by the particular ionic environment of the growth medium. In all treatments, the number of polypeptides with an increase in their relative concentration was roughly similar to the number of polypeptides with a decrease in concentration, both relative to controls. Our results agree with previous observations on the complexity of the osmoregulatory response involving proteins whose concentration depends on the solute causing the stress. The results also indicate that subcellular compartments respond differently to stressors.

Culture Media↗

PubMed2000

Proteomics meets cell biology: the establishment of subcellular proteomes.

Proteome research aims to unravel the biological complexity encoded by the genome. Due to the complexity of higher eukaryotic cells, single-step characterization of a proteome is likely to be difficult to achieve. However, advantage can be taken of the macromolecular architecture of a cell, e.g., subcellular compartments, organelles, macromolecular structures and multiprotein complexes, to establish subcellular proteomes. This review highlights recent developments in this area of proteomics, namely the establishment of two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) reference maps of subcellular compartments and organelles as well as the characterization of macromolecular structures and multiprotein complexes using a proteomics approach.

Proteome↗

PubMed1994

Subcellular localization and trafficking of the GLUT4 glucose transporter isoform in insulin-responsive cells.

The rate-limiting step in the uptake and metabolism of D-glucose by insulin target cells is thought to be glucose transport mediated by glucose transporters (primarily the GLUT4 isoform) localized to the plasma membrane. However, subcellular fractionation, photolabelling and immunocytochemical studies have shown that the pool of GLUT4 present in the plasma membrane is only one of many subcellular pools of this protein. GLUT4 has been found in occluded vesicles at the plasma membrane, clathrin-coated pits and vesicles, early endosomes, and tubulo-vesicular structures; the latter are analogous to known specialized secretory compartments. Tracking the movement of GLUT4 through these compartments, and defining the mechanism and site of action of insulin in stimulating this subcellular trafficking, are major topics of current investigation. Recent evidence focuses attention on the exocytosis of GLUT4 as the major site of insulin action. Increased exocytosis may be due to decreased retention of glucose transporters in an intracellular pool, or possibly to increased assembly of a vesicle docking and fusion complex. Although details are unknown, the presence in GLUT4 vesicles of a synaptobrevin homologue leads us to propose that a process analogous to that occurring in synaptic vesicle trafficking is involved in the assembly of GLUT4 vesicles into a form suitable for fusion with the plasma membrane. Evidence that the pathways of signalling from the insulin receptor and of GLUT4 vesicle exocytosis may converge at the level of the key signalling enzyme, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, is discussed.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2004

Subcellular localization of GABAB receptor subunits in rat globus pallidus.

The inhibitory amino acid gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the major neurotransmitter in the globus pallidus. Although electrophysiological studies have indicated that functional GABA(B) receptors exist in rat globus pallidus, the subcellular localization of GABA(B) receptor subunits and their spatial relationship to glutamatergic and GABAergic synapses are unknown. Here, we use pre-embedding immunogold labeling to study the subcellular localization of GABA(B) receptor subunits, GABA(B1) and GABA(B2), in globus pallidus neurons and identified populations of afferent terminals. Immunolabeling for GABA(B1) and GABA(B2) was observed throughout the globus pallidus, with GABA(B1) more strongly expressed in perikarya and GABA(B2) mainly expressed in the neuropil. Electron microscopic analysis revealed that the majority of GABA(B1) labeling was localized within the cytoplasm, whereas most of GABA(B2) labeling was associated with the plasma membrane. At the subcellular level, both the GABA(B1) and GABA(B2) immunogold labeling was localized at pre- and postsynaptic sites. At asymmetric, putative excitatory, synapses, GABA(B1) and GABA(B2) immunogold labeling was found at perisynaptic sites of both pre- and postsynaptic specializations. Double immunolabeling, using the vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (VGLUT2), revealed the glutamatergic nature of most immunogold-labeled asymmetric synapses. At symmetric, putative GABAergic, synapses, including those formed by anterogradely labeled striatopallidal terminals, GABA(B1) and GABA(B2) immunogold labeling was found in the main body of both pre- and postsynaptic specializations. These results demonstrate the existence of presynaptic GABA(B) auto- and heteroreceptors and postsynaptic GABA(B) receptors, which may be involved in modulating synaptic transmission in the globus pallidus.

Animals↗