Biomaterial Database

Calcium-dependent release of N-acetylaspartylglutamate from retinal neurons upon depolarization. 1988

L C Williamson, and J H Neale

Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. 20057.

N-Acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) is present in high concentrations specifically in the nervous system. Its neuronal distribution, presence in synaptic vesicles and its excitatory actions support the hypothesis that this dipeptide participates in communication between neurons. Following the incorporation of [3H]glutamate by frog retinal cells in vivo, the release of radiolabeled glutamate, GABA and NAAG was studied during acute incubation of the retina in vitro. Release of the radiolabeled amino acids and dipeptide was stimulated by elevated extracellular potassium. The release required the presence of extracellular calcium. These data are the first which demonstrate the release of NAAG following biosynthesis from a radiolabeled precursor and are consistent with synaptic release of this dipeptide.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D011188	Potassium	An element in the alkali group of metals with an atomic symbol K, atomic number 19, and atomic weight 39.10. It is the chief cation in the intracellular fluid of muscle and other cells. Potassium ion is a strong electrolyte that plays a significant role in the regulation of fluid volume and maintenance of the WATER-ELECTROLYTE BALANCE.
D011898	Ranidae	The family of true frogs of the order Anura. The family occurs worldwide except in Antarctica.	Frogs, True,Rana,Frog, True,True Frog,True Frogs
D012160	Retina	The ten-layered nervous tissue membrane of the eye. It is continuous with the OPTIC NERVE and receives images of external objects and transmits visual impulses to the brain. Its outer surface is in contact with the CHOROID and the inner surface with the VITREOUS BODY. The outer-most layer is pigmented, whereas the inner nine layers are transparent.	Ora Serrata
D002118	Calcium	A basic element found in nearly all tissues. It is a member of the alkaline earth family of metals with the atomic symbol Ca, atomic number 20, and atomic weight 40. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and combines with phosphorus to form calcium phosphate in the bones and teeth. It is essential for the normal functioning of nerves and muscles and plays a role in blood coagulation (as factor IV) and in many enzymatic processes.	Coagulation Factor IV,Factor IV,Blood Coagulation Factor IV,Calcium-40,Calcium 40,Factor IV, Coagulation
D004151	Dipeptides	Peptides composed of two amino acid units.	Dipeptide
D005680	gamma-Aminobutyric Acid	The most common inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.	4-Aminobutyric Acid,GABA,4-Aminobutanoic Acid,Aminalon,Aminalone,Gammalon,Lithium GABA,gamma-Aminobutyric Acid, Calcium Salt (2:1),gamma-Aminobutyric Acid, Hydrochloride,gamma-Aminobutyric Acid, Monolithium Salt,gamma-Aminobutyric Acid, Monosodium Salt,gamma-Aminobutyric Acid, Zinc Salt (2:1),4 Aminobutanoic Acid,4 Aminobutyric Acid,Acid, Hydrochloride gamma-Aminobutyric,GABA, Lithium,Hydrochloride gamma-Aminobutyric Acid,gamma Aminobutyric Acid,gamma Aminobutyric Acid, Hydrochloride,gamma Aminobutyric Acid, Monolithium Salt,gamma Aminobutyric Acid, Monosodium Salt
D005971	Glutamates	Derivatives of GLUTAMIC ACID. Included under this heading are a broad variety of acid forms, salts, esters, and amides that contain the 2-aminopentanedioic acid structure.	Glutamic Acid Derivatives,Glutamic Acids,Glutaminic Acids
D000818	Animals	Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA.	Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D018698	Glutamic Acid	A non-essential amino acid naturally occurring in the L-form. Glutamic acid is the most common excitatory neurotransmitter in the CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM.	Aluminum L-Glutamate,Glutamate,Potassium Glutamate,D-Glutamate,Glutamic Acid, (D)-Isomer,L-Glutamate,L-Glutamic Acid,Aluminum L Glutamate,D Glutamate,Glutamate, Potassium,L Glutamate,L Glutamic Acid,L-Glutamate, Aluminum
D066298	In Vitro Techniques	Methods to study reactions or processes taking place in an artificial environment outside the living organism.	In Vitro Test,In Vitro Testing,In Vitro Tests,In Vitro as Topic,In Vitro,In Vitro Technique,In Vitro Testings,Technique, In Vitro,Techniques, In Vitro,Test, In Vitro,Testing, In Vitro,Testings, In Vitro,Tests, In Vitro,Vitro Testing, In