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Cysteine: depolarization-induced release from rat brain in vitro
H J Keller1, K Q Do, M Zollinger
1Brain Research Institute, University of Zürich, Switzerland.
Journal of Neurochemistry
|June 1, 1989
Summary
Researchers identified cysteine (Cys) as a neuroactive substance released from rat brain slices. This discovery enables a new method for quantifying Cys, suggesting its role in neurotransmission.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Depolarization of neurons releases various compounds.
- Identifying neuroactive substances is crucial for understanding brain function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify novel neuroactive substances released from rat brain slices.
- To investigate the role of cysteine in neurotransmission.
Main Methods:
- Rat brain slices were depolarized to collect superfusates.
- Compounds were analyzed using reversed-phase HPLC and mass spectrometry.
- A new quantification method for cysteine was developed using N-ethylmaleimide.
Main Results:
- S-carboxamidomethylcysteine, a stable cysteine derivative, was identified.
- Extracellular cysteine levels increased upon depolarization.
- Cysteine release was most prominent in the neocortex and mesodiencephalon.
Conclusions:
- Cysteine is released in a calcium-dependent manner from neurons.
- Cysteine may function as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator.
- The developed method allows for accurate cysteine quantification in brain tissue.