NMDA-induced release of nitric oxide potentiates aspartate overflow from cerebellar slices.
We report that stimulation of neonatal rat cerebellar slices with N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) release nitric oxide (NO) and also increased the release of aspartate. Inhibition of NMDA receptors with the specific antagonist, 3-((RS)-2-carboxypiperazin-4-yl)-propyl-1-phosphonic acid (CPP) prevented the NMDA-induced release of both NO and aspartate. Similar results were obtained with the inhibitor of NO synthase, NG-nitroargine (NG-ARG). The NO scavenger, haemoglobin prevented the release of aspartate. Under calcium-free conditions NMDA-induced aspartate release was abolished and NO release significantly reduced. These results indicate that NO has a physiological role in the release of aspartate.
Dickie
B G
BG
Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff, UK.
Lewis
M J
MJ
Davies
J A
JA
D000818:Animals; D001120:Arginine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000494:pharmacology; D001224:Aspartic Acid / Q000378:metabolism*; D002531:Cerebellum / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D007051:Ibotenic Acid / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000494:pharmacology; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007608:Kainic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology; D008274:Magnesium / Q000494:pharmacology; D016202:N-Methylaspartate / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000378:metabolism*; D016318:Quisqualic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D018350:alpha-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic Acid; D019323:omega-N-Methylarginine
D007051:Ibotenic Acid; D019323:omega-N-Methylarginine; D001224:Aspartic Acid; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D016202:N-Methylaspartate; D018350:alpha-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic Acid; D016318:Quisqualic Acid; D001120:Arginine; D008274:Magnesium; D007608:Kainic Acid