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V J Balcar

Publications and source records attributed to V J Balcar.

68 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Transport of L-proline by rat brain slices.

L-Proline is taken up into slices of rat cerebral cortex by a structurally specific 'high affinity' system which is absolutely dependent on sodium ions. The system mediating L-proline uptake in homogenates of cerebral cortex is associated with osmotically sensitive particles of the same equilibrium density as synaptosomes. Based on tissue-medium ratios, the uptake of L-proline is most efficient in slices of cerebral cortex and of hypothalamus, and least efficient in slices of cerebellum. L-Proline taken up into slices of cerebral cortex can be released from these slices by an increased potassium ioort into and out of brain slices are consistent with L-proline functioning as a synaptic transmitter in that they are analogous to observations on the transport of transmitter amino acids such as GABA.

Amino Acids↗

Inhibition of high affinity uptake of GABA by branched fatty acids.

Several branched fatty acids including an antiepileptic agent nDPA were tested as potential inhibitors of high affinity uptake of GABA by brain slices and synaptosomes. Only three compounds (2-butyl-3-propylhexanoic acid, 5-propyloctanoic acid, 2-propylpenten-2-oic acid) were found to be relatively weak inhibitors of the uptake system. There was no correlation between anticonvulsant properties of the branched fatty acids and their potencies as inhibitors of high affinity uptake of GABA.

Aminobutyrates↗