Figure 4 | Scientific Reports

Figure 4

From: Ventral tegmental area dopamine and GABA neurons: Physiological properties and expression of mRNA for endocannabinoid biosynthetic elements

Figure 4

Immunolabeling of NAPE-PLD within mouse ventral tegmental area horizontal slices.

TH immunoreactivity is distinct from GAD67-GFP positive neurons, demonstrating that identification of VTA neurons by these targets firmly establishes neuronal identity. Cytoplasmic protein expression of NAPE-PLD was noted clearly within many, but not all, GAD67-GFP VTA neurons. (A–C) TH and GAD67-GFP at 60× magnification demonstrate distinct VTA dopamine and GABA cells populations. Note that some non-labeled cells (non-TH/GAD67) noted were not quantified. (D–F) NAPE-PLD immunoreactivity at 60× magnification. Arrowheads identify positive immunolabeling of NAPE-PLD in GFP-positive GABA neurons. Scale bars: 100 μm. (G) Control image showing secondary antibody staining only. (H) Control image with preabsorption using a blocking peptide for DAGLα. Preabsorption and secondary antibody-only staining was done for NAPE-PLD and mGluR5 as well, with similar results (data not shown). (I) A schematic diagram of VTA showing area imaged in immunohistochemical experiments.

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