Taurine and brain development: trophic or cytoprotective actions?
The decline of taurine content during brain maturation as well as the consequences of taurine deficiency disturbing brain development, suggest its involvement in basic processes of developing brain cells. If taurine participates in cell protection, differentiation or proliferation in the developing brain is as yet unclear. Extensive and solid evidence supports taurine cytoprotective actions, directly or indirectly related to an antioxidant effect. Since redox status and oxidative stress are now implicated in signalling processes regulating cell differentiation and proliferation, the question is raised of whether the taurine antioxidant activity is on the basis of its requirement during brain development.
Pasantes-Morales
Herminia
H
División de Neurociencias, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Circuito Exterior, 04510 Mexico DF, Mexico. hpasante@ifc.unam.mx
Hernández-Benítez
Reyna
R
D001921:Brain / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development*; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D006801:Humans; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D013654:Taurine / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology*
D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D013654:Taurine