Localization of D-serine and serine racemase in neurons and neuroglias in mouse brain.
D-serine is a novel candidate for an intrinsic ligand for the glycine site of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in mammalian brain. D-serine and serine racemase, which produces D-serine from L-serine, have long been presumed to be localized in astrocytes. However, we have reported that D-serine immunoreactivity was observed in neurons in rats. In the present study, the distributions of D-serine and serine racemase were investigated in combination with marker proteins for neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes in mice. Immunoreactivities for D-serine and serine racemase were found in neurons and oligodendrocytes. These results suggest that D-serine can be produced in neurons as well as glias and used as a neurotransmitter, which control the synaptic function of NMDA receptors.
Ding
Xiaohui
X
Department of Histology and Embryology, ShenYang Medical College, ShenYang, 110034, People's Republic of China. teitei15@hotmail.com
Ma
Ning
N
Nagahama
Masato
M
Yamada
Kumiko
K
Semba
Reiji
R
D000818:Animals; D015153:Blotting, Western; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D051379:Mice; D009457:Neuroglia / Q000378:metabolism*; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism*; D019998:Racemases and Epimerases / Q000378:metabolism*; D012694:Serine / Q000378:metabolism*; D000099300:Serine Racemase
D019998:Racemases and Epimerases; D012694:Serine; D000099300:Serine Racemase