Abstract
The cellular and subcellular localization of glutamate and glutamine in the rat vestibular endorgans was studied by means of postembedding immunocytochemistry. Glutamate immunoreactivity was preferentially distributed in the hair cells, whereas glutamine immunoreactivity was enriched in supporting cells. This points to a metabolic compartmentation similar to that found in glutamatergic nerve terminals and adjacent glial processes in the central nervous system. The present immunocytochemical results are consistent with the existence of a glutamate-glutamine cycle in the vestibular sensory epithelium. Our data are also in agreement with a transmitter role of glutamate in both types of hair cell, although a vesicular enrichment of glutamate in these cells remains to be demonstrated.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
