METABOLISM OF<i>N</i>-ACETYL-<scp>L</scp>-ASPARTIC ACID IN MICE

Abstract

Labeled N-acetyl-L-aspartic acid was injected intraperitoneally and intracerebrally into mice. Its metabolism was studied at different time intervals after injection by collecting CO 2 and by identifying the radioactive metabolites in urine. The localization of injected labeled N-acetyl-L-aspartic acid and of L-aspartic acid was studied by autoradiography. The results show that N-acetyl-L-aspartic acid does not cross the blood–brain barrier, is rapidly metabolized, and that some is excreted unchanged through the kidneys. It can be concluded that N-acetyl-L-aspartic acid is synthesized in the brain and is rapidly metabolized in the body.