Immunocytochemical localizations of cytosolic and mitochondrial glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase isozymes in rat primary sensory neurons as a marker for the glutamate neuronal system.

The localization of cytosolic (s-) and mitochondrial (m-) glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) was examined in the rat trigeminal, jugular and dorsal root ganglia by means of an indirect immunofluorescence method using antibodies specific for s- and m-GOT. Staining of s-GOT-like immunoreactivity was seen in giant, large, medium and small cells in these ganglia. On the other hand, m-GOT-like immunoreactivity was not seen in them. The distribution of GOT suggests that glutamate may be a transmitter released from primary sensory neurons.