TAURINE UPTAKE IN SYNAPTOSOMAL FRACTIONS OF RAT CEREBRAL CORTEX¹

Abstract

Abstract— [ 35 S]Taurine was found to be accumulated in synaptosomal fractions of rat cerebral cortex. Kinetic analysis in the range of 1–800 μ m ‐[ 35 S]taurine revealed at least two different uptake processes. A high affinity uptake with a K m of 20 μM and a low affinity uptake with a K m of about 450 μM. The high affinity component was dependent on temperature and energy, and virtually abolished in the absence of sodium. Examination of the influence of structural analogues and putative transmitter substances indicates that the high affinity uptake of taurine into synaptosomal fractions of rat cerebral cortex is unique and highly specific. No specific actions of several centrally acting drugs on taurine uptake could be observed.