N-acetylaspartylglutamate: An endogenous peptide with high affinity for a brain 'glutamate' receptor

R. Zaczek, K. Koller, R. Cotter, D. Heller, J. T. Coyle

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

113 Scopus citations

Abstract

A brain peptide with high affinity (420 nM) and marked specificity for brain receptor sites labeled with L-[3H]glutamate has been identified. Amino acid analysis and mass spectroscopy indicate that the peptide is N-acetylaspartylglutamate. The peptide exhibits potent convulsant properties when injected into the rat hippocampus, similar to those produced by the glutamate receptor agonist, quisqualic acid. These findings raise the question whether endogenous brain peptides enriched in acidic amino acids may serve as excitatory neurotransmitters.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1116-1119
Number of pages4
JournalUnknown Journal
Volume80
Issue number4 I
DOIs
StatePublished - 1983
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

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