BIOCHEMISTRY OF CNS CELLS DURING LEARNING.
Abstract
Synthesis of rapidly labelled RNA in brain cells was studied by sucrose density gradients. After a 15 minute pulse of 3H-orotic acid in the nuclear fraction and after 30 minutes in the cytoplasmic fraction, heterogeneous RNA was found in the range of 8 - 12 S. After further 15 to 30 minutes the profile of the synthesized RNA was changed due to a shift of the RNA peaks to 16 - 30 S. The synthesis of RNA was twice as rapid in the glia as in the nerve cells. The RNA synthesized in a learning situation in neurons and glia involved in the activity leading to the behavioural change was characterized in one case by a DNA-like composition and in another case by asymmetry, high adenine values and low (G + C)/(A + U) values compared to those of ribosomal RNA. To judge by these parameters, the lost RNA synthesized in cortical and brain stem neurons and glia in learning is of a chromosomal type. A case of biochemical error involving the RNA of the glia (Parkinson's disease) is discussed. The characteristics of the lost RNA produced in the glia at an early stage of the disease are taken to reflect a release of undesirable genomic activities at a crucial period of the life cycle.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 25, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0633982
Entities
People
- H. Hyden
Organizations
- University of Gothenburg