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Free D-aspartate in mammals.
Takemitsu Furuchi1, Hiroshi Homma
1Laboratory of Biomolecular Science, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kitasato University, Tokyo, Japan.
Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin
|September 6, 2005
Summary
D-Aspartate (D-Asp), an endogenous amino acid, plays a role in mammalian endocrine and nervous systems. It influences melatonin and testosterone synthesis, indicating its function as a novel messenger.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Endocrinology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- D-Aspartate (D-Asp) is an endogenous amino acid found in mammalian nervous and endocrine tissues.
- Its concentration varies during development, being high in embryos and temporarily increasing in specific endocrine glands like the pituitary, pineal, and adrenal glands post-delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role and regulation of D-Aspartate (D-Asp) in mammalian physiology.
- To explore D-Aspartate's influence on hormone secretion and synthesis in endocrine tissues.
Main Methods:
- The study likely involved analyzing D-Aspartate levels in various tissues during different developmental stages.
- Investigating the molecular mechanisms by which D-Aspartate affects hormone production, such as testosterone synthesis in the testis.
Main Results:
- D-Aspartate suppresses melatonin secretion in the pineal gland and enhances testosterone synthesis in the testis by activating Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory protein.
- Mammalian cells possess the machinery for D-Aspartate synthesis, release, uptake, and degradation, suggesting active homeostasis regulation.
Conclusions:
- D-Aspartate functions as a novel signaling messenger in the mammalian body.
- Its presence and action in endocrine glands highlight its importance in regulating key physiological processes like reproduction and circadian rhythms.