Planta Med 2010; 76(6): 595-598
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1240613
Pharmacology
Original Papers
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Effects of α-Asarone on the Glutamate Transporter EAAC1 in Xenopus Oocytes

Quanbao Gu1 , Huiming Du1 , Chunhui Ma3 , Heike Fotis2 , Bin Wu3 , Chenggang Huang3 , Wolfgang Schwarz1 , 2
  • 1Shanghai Research Center for Acupuncture and Meridians, Shanghai, China
  • 2Max-Planck-Institute for Biophysics, Frankfurt, Germany
  • 3Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
Weitere Informationen

Publikationsverlauf

received Sept. 17, 2009 revised October 15, 2009

accepted October 24, 2009

Publikationsdatum:
20. November 2009 (online)

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Abstract

The major excitatory neurotransmitter transporter EAAC1 in the mammalian central nervous system is considered a possible target for Chinese herbal medicine. Extracts of Acorus tatarinowii (Schott) were tested for their effects on EAAC1 activity. Xenopus oocytes with heterologously expressed EAAC1 were used as the model system. Rate of glutamate uptake was determined by means of the isotopic tracer technique. Glutamate-induced current was recorded under a two-electrode voltage clamp. As a highly effective component, α-asarone was identified. The rate of glutamate uptake was stimulated by 200 µM of α-asarone by about 15 %. In contrast, the same concentration reduced the EAAC1-mediated current by about 35 % at a holding potential of − 60 mV; half maximum inhibition was obtained at about 60 µM. Our experimental data suggest that both stimulation of glutamate uptake and inhibition of EAAC1-mediated current by α-asarone could contribute to reduced excitatory activity.

References

Chenggang Huang

Shanghai Research Center for Acupuncture and Meridians
Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences

199 Guoshoujing Rd.

Zhangjiang, Pudong

201203 Shanghai

China

555 Zuchongzi Rd.

Zhangjiang, Pudong

201203 Shanghai

China

Telefon: + 86 2 15 02 71 96 61 23

eMail: schwarz@mpibp-frankfurt.mpg.de