Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026

09:48
Measuring Spinal Presynaptic Inhibition in Mice By Dorsal Root Potential Recording In Vivo
Published on: March 29, 2014
Inhibitory zinc-enriched terminals in mouse spinal cord
1Department of Neurobiology, Institute of Anatomy, University of Aarhus, Denmark. gd@neuro.au.dk
Neuroscience
|September 1, 2001
Summary
This study reveals that zinc transporter-3 and glutamate decarboxylase are co-localized in inhibitory zinc-enriched terminals within the mouse spinal cord, suggesting zinc
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Zinc is a crucial trace element involved in various physiological processes.
- Zinc-enriched terminals are found in the mammalian central nervous system.
- The precise role and localization of zinc in spinal cord function remain under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ultrastructural localization of zinc transporter-3 (ZNT3), glutamate decarboxylase (GAD), and zinc ions.
- To determine the synaptic relationships and distribution of zinc-enriched terminals in the mouse spinal cord.
- To elucidate the potential inhibitory role of zinc in spinal cord neurotransmission.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry for zinc transporter-3 and glutamate decarboxylase.
- Zinc-selenium autometallography for visualizing zinc ions.
- Light and electron microscopy for ultrastructural analysis.
Main Results:
- Zinc transporter-3, glutamate decarboxylase, and zinc ions were localized to synaptic vesicles in zinc-enriched terminals.
- Densest populations of zinc-enriched terminals were observed in dorsal horn laminae I, III, and IV.
- Zinc-enriched terminals predominantly formed symmetrical synapses, indicative of inhibitory function, and co-localized with GAD.
Conclusions:
- The co-localization of zinc ions and glutamate decarboxylase confirms the presence of inhibitory zinc-enriched terminals in the spinal cord.
- The distribution patterns suggest a role for zinc in both sensory transmission and motor control.
- These findings enhance our understanding of zinc's neuromodulatory functions in the spinal cord.

