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Abstract
The cellular and subcellular distributions of the glutamate transporter subtypes EAAC1,
GLT-1, and GLAST in the rat CNS were demonstrated using anti-peptide antibodies that
recognize the C-terminal domains of each transporter. On immunoblots, the antibodies
specifically recognize proteins of 65-73 kDa in total brain homogenates. Immunocytochemistry
shows that glutamate transporter subtypes are distributed differentially within neurons
and astroglia. EAAC1 is specific for certain neurons, such as large pyramidal cortical
neurons and Purkinje cells, but does not appear to be selective for glutamatergic
neurons. GLT-1 is localized only to astroglia. GLAST is found in both neurons and
astroglia. The regional localizations are unique to each transporter subtype. EAAC1
is highly enriched in the cortex, hippocampus, and caudate-putamen and is confined
to pre- and postsynaptic elements. GLT-1 is distributed in astrocytes throughout the
brain and spinal cord. GLAST is most abundant in Bergmann glia in the cerebellar molecular
layer brain, but is also present in the cortex, hippocampus, and deep cerebellar nuclei.