Effect of dietary vitamin E on L-[3H]glutamate binding in rabbit cerebellum

To demonstrate the role of vitamin E on cerebellar function, studies on rabbits fed low and high levels of dietary vitamin E were performed. The L-[3H]glutamate binding to cerebellar membranes of rabbits fed normal, high and low vitamin E diet showed receptor density (Bmax) values (mean +/- SEM) of 274 +/- 13, 637 +/- 37, and 265 +/- 60 pmol/mg protein, respectively, and dissociation equilibrium constant (KD) values of 257 +/- 99, 233 +/- 77, and 120 +/- 15 nM, respectively. Significant difference of Bmax from control was observed in the high dietary vitamin E group and of KD from control for the low dietary vitamin E group. These results indicate that dietary vitamin E levels have demonstrable effects on the central nervous system, especially the glutamate neurotransmitter system in rabbit cerebellum.