Rat neostriatal neurons especially able to catabolize pyruvate via cytosolic malic isoenzyme. Immunocytochemical study at light- and electron-microscopic levels.

The distribution of cytosolic malic isoenzyme in the neostriatum was investigated with the peroxidase-antiperoxidase immunocytochemical method, utilizing an antiserum obtained from the rabbit. Microscopic observations demonstrated a strong positive immunoreaction in some neurons and a very weak reaction in the remaining cells. The reaction was found in the cytosol of the perikaryon and dendrites. These observations suggest that in the rat neostriatum there are some neurons especially able to catabolize pyruvate via cytosolic malic isoenzyme.