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Localization of d-serine and serine racemase in neurons and neuroglias in mouse brain

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Abstract

d-Serine is a novel candidate for an intrinsic ligand for the glycine site of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in mammalian brain. d-Serine and serine racemase, which produces d-serine from l-serine, have long been presumed to be localized in astrocytes. However, we have reported that d-serine immunoreactivity was observed in neurons in rats. In the present study, the distributions of d-serine and serine racemase were investigated in combination with marker proteins for neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes in mice. Immunoreactivities for d-serine and serine racemase were found in neurons and oligodendrocytes. These results suggest that d-serine can be produced in neurons as well as glias and used as a neurotransmitter, which control the synaptic function of NMDA receptors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Histology and Embryology, ShenYang Medical College, ShenYang, 110034, People’s Republic of China

    Xiaohui Ding

  2. Department of Health and Hygiene, Suzuka University of Medical Science, Mie, Japan

    Ning Ma

  3. Department of Anatomy, Mie University School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie, 514-8507, Japan

    Masato Nagahama, Kumiko Yamada & Reiji Semba

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  1. Xiaohui Ding
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  2. Ning Ma
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  3. Masato Nagahama
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  4. Kumiko Yamada
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  5. Reiji Semba
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Correspondence to Xiaohui Ding.

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Ding, X., Ma, N., Nagahama, M. et al. Localization of d-serine and serine racemase in neurons and neuroglias in mouse brain. Neurol Sci 32, 263–267 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-010-0422-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-010-0422-2

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