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AMINO ACID DISTRIBUTION IN THE NERVOUS SYSTEM OF THE CRAB, CARCINUS MAENAS (L.)
Author(s) -
Evans P. D.
Publication year - 1973
Publication title -
journal of neurochemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.75
H-Index - 229
eISSN - 1471-4159
pISSN - 0022-3042
DOI - 10.1111/j.1471-4159.1973.tb04221.x
Subject(s) - carcinus maenas , amino acid , glycine , biology , crustacean , nervous system , nervous tissue , glutamate receptor , central nervous system , biochemistry , peripheral nervous system , biophysics , decapoda , anatomy , zoology , endocrinology , neuroscience , receptor
The free amino acid levels in the peripheral nerve of the crab, Carcinus maenas , have been measured using various extraction procedures. A comparison of the amino acid levels of the peripheral and central nervous system of the crab has revealed marked differences in the levels of certain amino acids. Aspartate and glutamate were much lower in central nervous tissue than peripheral whilst glycine was much higher. The results are discussed in relation to the extreme steepness of the concentration gradient for amino acids across the neuronal membranes of crustaceans and a comparison is made with other groups. The significance of the differences in amino acid concentration in specific areas of nervous tissue is discussed in relation to the functions of the amino acids and to possible transmitter activity.