GLUCOSE TRANSPORTERS (GLUTS-1-4) AND THEIR MESSENGER-RNAS IN REGIONS OF THE RAT-BRAIN - INSULIN-SENSITIVE TRANSPORTER EXPRESSION IN THE CEREBELLUM

Major regions of the rat brain have been examined for the presence of glucose transporters (GLUTs 1-4) and their mRNAs. Both the mRNA and im munoreactive protein for GLUT1 and GLUT3 were found in each brain regi on (medulla, pens, cerebellum, midbrain, hypothalamus, thalamus, hippo campus, parietal cortex). The mRNA and protein for GLUT4 were identifi ed in the cerebellum, but not elsewhere in the brain. GLUT2 protein an d mRNA were not detected in any region of the brain. Although GLUT1 an d GLUT3 are the major brain glucose transporters, the presence of GLUT 4 in the cerebellum suggests that insulin-sensitive glucose uptake may occur in a specific part of the brain.