Immuno-localization of kynurenine aminotransferase (KAT) in the rat medulla and spinal cord

Neuroreport
R KapoorV Kapoor

Abstract

In the mammalian brain, kynurenine aminotransferase (KAT) is pivotal to the synthesis of kynurenic acid, a preferential antagonist at the strychnine-insensitive NMDA-glycine site. As NMDA receptors are involved in autonomic function, we have examined the immunohistochemical localization of KAT in the medulla and spinal cord of the rat. KAT immunoreactivity (KAT-li) was found throughout these areas, in both glia and neurons. Unlike the mainly astrocytic localization in forebrain structures, KAT-li was predominantly neuronal, notably in areas important for blood pressure and heart rate regulation: ventral medulla, nucleus ambiguus, nucleus of the solitary tract and intramediolateral cell column of the spinal cord. The presence of KAT in these nuclei supports a neuromodulatory role for kynurenic acid in NMDA-mediated autonomic function.

Citations

Oct 19, 2010·Journal of Oncology·Jason M God, Azizul Haque
Dec 14, 2011·Clinical & Developmental Immunology·Azim HossainAzizul Haque
Feb 24, 2012·Pharmacological Reports : PR·Robert RejdakEberhart Zrenner
Mar 27, 2013·European Journal of Pain : EJP·J B Pineda-FariasV Granados-Soto
Nov 6, 2003·Vision Research·Robert RejdakKonrad Kohler
Aug 29, 2016·Brain Structure & Function·Judit HerédiLevente Gellért
Jan 1, 2010·International Journal of Tryptophan Research : IJTR·Nicholas W S DaviesBruce J Brew
Jul 30, 2002·The Journal of Biological Chemistry·John B J KwokVimal Kapoor
Jul 7, 2018·Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity·L A Ramos-ChávezV Pérez de la Cruz

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Astrocytes

Astrocytes are glial cells that support the blood-brain barrier, facilitate neurotransmission, provide nutrients to neurons, and help repair damaged nervous tissues. Here is the latest research.