LOCALIZATION OF GLUTAMINASE IN THE RAT NEOSTRIATUM

Glutaminase activity in rat striatal tissue was not significantly decreased by lesions of the cortico-striatal tract which depressed striatal glutamate uptake by 47% but was markedly decreased following intrastriatal injections of kainic acid. There also appeared to be a linear correlation between glutaminase and glutamic acid decarboxylase [EC 4.1.1.15] activities in the substantia nigra of rats injected intrastriatally with kainic acid. Most of the glutaminase activity in the regions is probably localized in GABAergic structures, no evidence for the occurrence of this enzyme in nerve endings of the glutamergic cortico-striatal tract is provided.