Identification of L-glutamate binding sites in chick brain by photoaffinity labeling

The photoaffinity cross-linker, N-hydroxysuccinimidyl-4-azido benzoate ester, was used to attach L-[3H]glutamate irreversibly to chick brain membranes. Electrophoretic analysis with sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed a major radioactive protein band with an apparent molecular weight of 45,600 +/- 300 Da. A second band with a smaller amount of radioactivity and with an apparent molecular weight of 28,300 +/- 500 Da was also detected. Photolabeling was inhibited by quisqualic acid.