Synaptic function of cholinergic-specific Chol-1alpha ganglioside.
The function of a cholinergic-specific ganglioside, Chol-1alpha, was investigated. The release of acetylcholine from synaptosomes was inhibited by anti-Chol-1alpha monoclonal antibody but not by monoclonal antibodies against other brain gangliosides tested. Chol-1alpha ganglioside stimulated the high-affinity choline uptake by synaptosomes and consequently enhanced acetylcholine synthesis, resulting in an increased release of acetylcholine from synaptosomes. The memory and learning abilities of rats given anti-Chol-1alpha antibody were remarkably suppressed. These in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that Chol-1alpha ganglioside plays a pivotal role in cholinergic synaptic transmission and participates in cognitive function.
Ando
Susumu
S
Neuronal Function Research Group, Division of Neuroscience and Brain Function, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, Japan. andos@tmig.or.jp
Tanaka
Yasukazu
Y
Kobayashi
Satoru
S
Fukui
Fumiko
F
Iwamoto
Machiko
M
Waki
Hatsue
H
Tai
Tadashi
T
Hirabayashi
Yoshio
Y
D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D002855:Chromatography, Thin Layer; D005732:Gangliosides / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D011916:Rats, Inbred F344; D011950:Receptors, Cholinergic / Q000502:physiology*; D013569:Synapses / Q000378:metabolism*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000954:Antigens, Surface; D005732:Gangliosides; D011950:Receptors, Cholinergic; C038777:chol-1 antigen