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Prostaglandin D synthase in microvessels from the rat cerebral cortex
Prostaglandins
|October 1, 1981
Summary
Rat cerebral microvessels synthesize prostacyclin and PGD, crucial for regulating cerebral blood flow and neural function. These findings highlight the microvasculature as the primary source of these important compounds in the brain.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Physiology
Background:
- Cerebral microvessels play a key role in regulating brain function.
- Understanding the biochemical processes within these vessels is crucial for comprehending cerebral blood flow control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize enzymes involved in prostacyclin and prostaglandin D (PGD) synthesis within rat cerebral microvessels.
- To determine the localization and properties of PGD synthase in the cerebral vasculature.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of rat cerebral microvessels using nylon sieving and glass bead elutriation.
- Enzyme activity assays for gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, GSH-S-transferase, prostacyclin synthase, and PGD synthase.
- Biochemical characterization of microvessel PGD synthase, including substrate kinetics and pH optimum.
Main Results:
- Prostacyclin and PGD synthesizing activities were localized to isolated cerebral microvessels.
- PGD synthase was found in the cytosol fraction, did not require glutathione, and exhibited specific kinetic properties.
- GSH-S-transferase was localized to the non-vascular filtrate, indicating its absence in microvessels.
Conclusions:
- Rat cerebral microvessels possess the enzymatic machinery for prostacyclin and PGD synthesis.
- These syntheses likely contribute to the autoregulation of cerebral blood flow and neural function.
- The cerebral microvasculature is identified as the primary source of PGI2 and PGD2 in rat brain homogenates.