title: MK-801 is a potent nematocidal agent. Characterization of MK-801 binding sites in Caenorhabditis elegans.
abstract: MK-801, an N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist in mammalian brain tissue, is a potent nematocidal agent. Specific MK-801 binding sites have been identified and characterized in a membrane fraction prepared from the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. The high-affinity MK-801 binding site has an apparent dissociation constant, Kd, of 225 nM. Unlike the MK-801 binding site in mammalian tissues, the C. elegans binding site is not effected by glutamate or glycine, and polyamines are potent inhibitors of specific MK-801 binding.
authors.affiliation: Merck Sharp & Dohme Research Laboratories, Department of Biochemical Parasitology, Rahway, NJ 07065.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Schaeffer
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Bergstrom
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Turner
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000969:Antinematodal Agents; D001665:Binding Sites; D002107:Caenorhabditis / Q000187:drug effects*; D003986:Dibenzocycloheptenes; D016291:Dizocilpine Maleate
chemical_list: D000969:Antinematodal Agents; D003986:Dibenzocycloheptenes; D016291:Dizocilpine Maleate