3H-GABA uptake selectively labels identifiable neurons in the leech central nervous system

Journal Article · Sun Apr 10 04:00:00 EST 1983 · J. Comp. Neurol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/cne.902150309· OSTI ID:5552125

Cline, H T

Segmental ganglia of the leech ventral nerve cord synthesize the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) when incubated in the presence of the precursor glutamate, suggesting that there may be GABA-ergic neurons in the leech nerve cord. GABA-accumulating neurons of the two taxonomically distant leech species, Haementeria ghilianii and Hirudo medicinalis, have been labeled by taking advantage of their high-affinity uptake system for the neurotransmitter. Autoradiography of sectioned segmental ganglia previously exposed to 3H-GABA reveals a reproducible pattern of about thirty 3H-GABA-labeled neuronal cell bodies per ganglion. The majority of 3H-GABA-labeled neuronal cell bodies are bilaterally paired, although some apparently unpaired cell bodies also accumulate label. Neuronal processes were reproducibly labeled by GABA uptake and could be traced in the neuropil through commissures and fiber tracts into the segmental nerve roots and interganglionic connectives, respectively.

• Research Organization: Graduate Group in Neurobiology, University of California, Berkeley
• OSTI ID: 5552125
• Journal Information: J. Comp. Neurol.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Comp. Neurol.; (United States) Vol. 215:3; ISSN JCNEA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
AMINO ACIDS
AMINOBUTYRIC ACID
ANIMAL CELLS
ANIMALS
ANNELIDS
AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM AGENTS
AUTORADIOGRAPHY
BIOCHEMISTRY
CARBOXYLIC ACIDS
CHEMISTRY
DRUGS
INVERTEBRATES
NERVE CELLS
NERVOUS SYSTEM
NEUROREGULATORS
ORGANIC ACIDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PHYSIOLOGY
SOMATIC CELLS