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Taurine inhibits glutamate-induced excitotoxicity through a calpain dependent pathway

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Date Issued:
2008
Summary:
Taurine, an endogenous ammo acid and neuromodulator, has been found to be neuroprotective against numerous forms of neurotoxicity including glutamate-induced excitotoxicity. Previously we have shown that taurine inhibits glutamate-induced calcium influx through VGCCs and NMDA receptors. Although the neuroprotective effects of taurine against excitotoxicity have been attributed to its intracellular Ca2+ regulatory functions, the complete mechanism underling taurine neuroprotection has remained unclear. Using primary rat cortical neuronal cell cultures, we have determined key cytosolic components to the mechanism of taurine neuroprotection. In this study we have found that taurine inhibits excitotoxicity by suppressing glutamate-induced elevations in [Ca2+]i, preventing calpain activation, and inhibiting reductions in Bel- 2:Bax ratios and consequently activation of the intrinsic pathway.
Title: Taurine inhibits glutamate-induced excitotoxicity through a calpain dependent pathway.
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Name(s): Leon, Rebecca
Prentice, Howard, Thesis advisor
Florida Atlantic University, Degree grantor
Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Department of Biological Sciences
Type of Resource: text
Genre: Electronic Thesis Or Dissertation
Date Created: 2008
Date Issued: 2008
Publisher: Florida Atlantic University
Place of Publication: Boca Raton, FL
Physical Form: application/pdf
Extent: 44 p.
Language(s): English
Summary: Taurine, an endogenous ammo acid and neuromodulator, has been found to be neuroprotective against numerous forms of neurotoxicity including glutamate-induced excitotoxicity. Previously we have shown that taurine inhibits glutamate-induced calcium influx through VGCCs and NMDA receptors. Although the neuroprotective effects of taurine against excitotoxicity have been attributed to its intracellular Ca2+ regulatory functions, the complete mechanism underling taurine neuroprotection has remained unclear. Using primary rat cortical neuronal cell cultures, we have determined key cytosolic components to the mechanism of taurine neuroprotection. In this study we have found that taurine inhibits excitotoxicity by suppressing glutamate-induced elevations in [Ca2+]i, preventing calpain activation, and inhibiting reductions in Bel- 2:Bax ratios and consequently activation of the intrinsic pathway.
Identifier: FA00000788 (IID)
Degree granted: Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2008.
Collection: FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection
Note(s): Includes bibliography.
Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Subject(s): Cellular signal transduction
Taurine--Physiological effect
Proteolytic enzymes--Research
Held by: Florida Atlantic University Libraries
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000788
Sublocation: Digital Library
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Host Institution: FAU
Is Part of Series: Florida Atlantic University Digital Library Collections.