Localization of the type VI voltage-gated sodium channel protein in human CNS

THE cellular distribution of the type VI human voltage-gated sodium channel (Type VI) was examined in selected human brain regions. Antibodies designe d to be specific to rat and human Type VI were raised against a synthetic p eptide from the predicted NH2-terminal of the protein, and used for an immu nohistochemical investigation. Immunoblot experiments showed that purified antibodies specifically detected the presence of Type VI in transfected cel ls and human brain membrane preparations. Immunohistochemistry on perfusion fixed human tissue revealed a predominantly somato-dendritic distribution of Type VI in major output neurons of the cerebellum, cerebral cortex and h ippocampus. The observed localisation of this channel may reflect an import ant role in the integration of synaptic input in the human CNS. (C) 1999 Li ppincott Williams & Wilkins.