D-Aspartate affects secretory activity in rat Harderian gland: molecular mechanism and functional significance.
Amino Acids
; 37(4): 653-64, 2009 Oct.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-18820994
ABSTRACT
In this paper, the role of D-aspartate in the rat Harderian gland (HG) was investigated by histochemical, ultrastructural, and biochemical analyses. In this gland, substantial amounts of endogenous D-Asp were detected, along with aspartate racemases that convert D-Asp to L-Asp and vice versa. We found that the gland was capable of uptaking and accumulating exogenously administered D-Asp. D-Asp acute treatment markedly increased lipid and porphyrin secretion and induced a powerful hyperaemia in inter-acinar interstitial tissue. Since D-Asp is known to be recognized by NMDA receptors, the expression of such receptors in rat HG led us to the hypothesis that D-Asp acute treatment induced the activation of the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) pathways mediated by NMDA. Interestingly, as a result of enhanced oxidative stress due to increased porphyrin secretion, the revealed activation of the stress-activated protein kinase/c-jun N-terminal kinase (SAPK/JNK) pro-apoptotic pathway was probably triggered by the gland itself to preserve its cellular integrity.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Receptores de N-Metil-D-Aspartato
/
Ácido D-Aspártico
/
Isomerases de Aminoácido
/
Glândula de Harder
Limite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Amino Acids
Assunto da revista:
BIOQUIMICA
Ano de publicação:
2009
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Itália