Reliable VGAT Puncta Detection for Quantitative Analysis of Inhibitory Synapses

July 08, 2026

BlueskyReddit
SUNY UB
Research Scientist

Overall

Quality of Results

Ease-of-Optimization

What do these ratings mean?
Write a Review

Company:

Synaptic Systems

Product Name:

VGAT Antibody

Catalog Number:

131004

Clone Number:

Info:Supplier Page 

Browse Similar Products: Anti-VGAT Antibody Products

We used this antibody to visualize inhibitory presynaptic terminals in mouse prefrontal cortex. The antibody produced distinct punctate staining that was well suited for high-resolution confocal imaging and quantitative 3D analysis. In combination with Gephyrin immunostaining, it allowed us to identify closely associated pre- and postsynaptic markers of GABAergic synapses within individual astrocyte territories.

Experimental Design and Results Summary

Applications

Immunofluorescence

Sample

40-μm free-floating mouse prefrontal cortex brain sections

Primary Incubation

1:1000 overnight at 4°C

Blocking Agent

3% normal goat serum + 0.3% Triton X-100 in PBS, 1 hour at room temperature

Secondary Incubation

Corresponding Alexa Fluor–conjugated secondary antibody, 1:1000, 2 hours at room temperature

Tertiary Incubation

NA

Detection

Confocal microscopy (Leica SP8) and quantitative 3D image analysis using Imaris

Results Summary

The antibody generated clearly detectable VGAT-positive puncta throughout the analyzed regions. The staining was reproducible across samples and provided sufficient contrast for quantitative analysis of inhibitory presynaptic puncta density and their spatial relationship to reconstructed astrocyte surfaces.

DOI or PMID #

DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adt2527

Additional Notes

Related Categories

Image Gallery

Summary

The Good

Distinct punctate labeling, reproducible staining, and excellent compatibility with multiplex confocal imaging and 3D analysis.

The Bad

Dense puncta distribution requires consistent imaging and thresholding parameters for reliable quantitative comparisons.

The Bottom Line

A reliable antibody for visualizing and quantitatively analyzing inhibitory presynaptic terminals in mouse brain tissue.

Share your experience with other scientists. Write a Review! »

Join the discussion