Putative Neurotransmitters in 'Aplysia': Distribution of Gamma- Aminobutyric Acid, Aspartate and Glutamate in Ganglia and Single Neurons
Abstract
The distributions of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate and aspartate in the nervous system of Aplysia have been measured. GABA was detected in each ganglion examined and in the foot muscle at concentrations ranging from 0.90 plus or minus 0.04 to 1.55 plus or minus 0.17 micro moles/100 mg protein. Aspartate and glutamate were present in greater concentrations in nervous than nonnervous tissues. While ganglia glutamate concentrations were nearly equal, aspartate concentrations varied over twofold among the ganglia. Each identified neuronal cell body examined contained GABA at greater than millimolar concentrations and aspartate at concentrations ranging from 22 plus or minus 3 to 96 plus or minus 11 mM. An apparent correlation was found between the aspartate and GABA content of invertebrate neurons. These results are consistent with a possible neurotransmitter role for amino acids, particularly aspartate and GABA, in Aplysia.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA012642
Entities
People
- D. O. Carpenter
- G. H. Zeman
Organizations
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute