Abstract
Kynurenine aminotransferases (KATs I and II) are pivotal to the synthesis of kynurenic acid (KYNA), the only known endogenous glutamate receptor antagonist and neuroprotectant. This study is the first to identify KYNA in the rat retina and to examine immunohistochemically the distribution of KAT isoforms. As determined by HPLC, KYNA concentration in the retina was 99.9 +/- 24.6 pmol/g wet wt. Immunohisto- chemical experiments showed that both KATs were present in the retina. KAT I was preferentially localised on Müller cell endfeet while KAT II was expressed in cells within the ganglion cell layer. In conclusion, KYNA is present and synthesised in the inner retina. This may suggest a modulatory role in glutamate-mediated retinal neurotransmission.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: 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.