Abstract
d-Aspartate (d-Asp) is an endogenous molecule that is often detected in CNS and endocrine tissues. Using capillary electrophoresis and a variety of radionuclide detection techniques, we examine the synthesis, release, and uptake/accumulation of d-Asp in the CNS of the marine mollusk Aplysia californica. We observe the preferential synthesis and accumulation of d-Asp over l-aspartate (l-Asp) in neuron-containing ganglia compared to surrounding sheath tissues. Little conversion of d-Asp to l-Asp is detected. The Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin and elevated extracellular potassium stimulates release of d-Asp from the cerebral ganglia. Lastly, radioactive d-Asp in the extracellular media is efficiently taken up and accumulated by individual F-cluster neurons. These observations point to a role for d-Asp in cell-to-cell signaling with many characteristics similar to classical transmitters.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1234-1244 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Journal of Neurochemistry |
Volume | 115 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Dec 2010 |
Keywords
- Aplysia californica
- d-amino acids
- d-aspartate
- Hormone
- Neurotransmitter
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Biochemistry
- Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience