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Taurine transport in cultured choroid plexus
V K Ramanathan1, S J Chung, K M Giacomini
1Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of California, San Francisco 94143, USA.
Pharmaceutical Research
|April 1, 1997
Summary
This study shows that cultured rabbit choroid plexus cells express a functional sodium-taurine transporter, similar to that in intact tissue. This model is suitable for studying taurine transport and its role in the central nervous system.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Taurine acts as a neuromodulator in the central nervous system.
- A primary cell culture of rabbit choroid plexus epithelia was recently established.
- A continuous cell culture model for choroid plexus epithelia was previously unavailable.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the suitability of a primary rabbit choroid plexus epithelial cell culture for studying the sodium-taurine transporter.
- To characterize the Na(+)-taurine transporter in cultured choroid plexus cells.
Main Methods:
- Primary rabbit choroid plexus epithelial cells were cultured on semi-permeable filters.
- Kinetics of 3H-taurine uptake were measured.
- Inhibition studies with beta-amino acids were performed.
Main Results:
- Taurine transport was Na(+)-dependent and saturable (Km = 156 microM).
- Beta-alanine and taurine significantly inhibited Na(+)-driven taurine transport.
- L-alanine partially inhibited transport, and transporter activity was modulated by media taurine levels.
Conclusions:
- Cultured choroid plexus epithelial cells express a Na(+)-taurine transporter with characteristics similar to intact tissue.
- This transporter may be adaptively regulated.
- The cultured cells provide a suitable model for studying taurine homeostasis in the central nervous system.