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Aspartate immunoreactive axons in normal rat L4 dorsal roots
K N Westlund1, D L McNeill, J T Patterson
1Marine Biomedical Institute, Galveston, TX 77550-2772.
Brain Research
|June 12, 1989
Summary
This study found that aspartate is present in a significant portion of rat dorsal root axons. This suggests aspartate may function as a neurotransmitter in primary afferent neurons.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurochemistry
Background:
- Primary afferent neurons transmit sensory information.
- The role of specific amino acids as neurotransmitters in these pathways is an area of active research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and distribution of the excitatory amino acid aspartate in rat dorsal root axons.
- To determine if aspartate is a candidate neurotransmitter for primary afferent neurons.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical staining of rat L4 dorsal root axons.
- Quantification of aspartate-immunoreactive unmyelinated and myelinated axons.
Main Results:
- Approximately 15% of unmyelinated and 4% of myelinated axons in the rat L4 dorsal root were immunostained for aspartate.
- These findings indicate high concentrations of aspartate in a subpopulation of dorsal root axons.
Conclusions:
- Aspartate is present in a notable subpopulation of primary afferent axons.
- Aspartate is proposed as a potential neurotransmitter for these neurons.