Stauch B L, Robinson M B, Forloni G, Tsai G, Coyle J T
Department of Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore 21205.
Neurosci Lett. 1989 May 22;100(1-3):295-300. doi: 10.1016/0304-3940(89)90702-7.
N-Acetylated, alpha-linked acidic dipeptidase (NAALADase) is a chloride-activated, membrane bound, metallopeptidase that cleaves the endogenous neuropeptide N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamate (NAAG) in vitro. To determine whether NAALADase is the catabolic enzyme of NAAG in vivo, we have examined the effects on [3H]NAAG metabolism of intrastriatal co-injections of agents that affect NAALADase activity in vitro. Co-injections of NAALADase inhibitors, such as quisqualate (Quis), phosphate, dithiothreitol and EGTA were found to prolong the t1/2 of [3H]NAAG, whereas cobalt, a NAALADase activity stimulator, accelerated [3H]NAAG catabolism. These results are consistent with a role for NAALADase in the extracellular disposition of endogenous NAAG.
