A model of the compartmentalization of taurine in rat hypothalmaic neuronal and glial cell particles.

We conclude that the high affinity taurine uptake system is located on neuronal membranes in the hypothalamus and that the low affinity taurine uptake system is located on glial membranes. The evoked release of taurine by either K+ and/or veratridine is Ca2+-independent and thus taurine, according to classical criteria, does not function as a neurotransmitter in the hypothalamus. This model for the differential cellular transport and compartmentalization of taurine into neuronal and glial cells and for a cytoplasmic location has important implications concerning its possible role in the central nervous system, specifically as a neuromodulator of neuronal activity.