Publications by authors named "Gabriele Ferrandino"
Background: NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartic acid) is a widely known agonist for a class of glutamate receptors, the NMDA type. Synthetic NMDA elicits very strong activity for the induction of hypothalamic factors and hypophyseal hormones in mammals. Moreover, endogenous NMDA has been found in rat, where it has a role in the induction of GnRH (Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone) in the hypothalamus, and of LH (Luteinizing Hormone) and PRL (Prolactin) in the pituitary gland.
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- Aplysia limacina has significant levels of D-aspartic acid (D-Asp) synthesized from L-aspartate, primarily found in its nervous system ganglia.
- D-Asp is present in the soma, dendrites, and synaptic areas of cultured neurons, and its high concentrations contribute notably to synaptic vesicles.
- The action of D-Asp can trigger an increase in cAMP levels, pointing to its potential role in neurotransmission within the nervous system of Aplysia limacina.
In the present study, we report the finding of high concentrations of D-Asp (D-aspartate) in the retina of the cephalopods Sepia officinalis, Loligo vulgaris and Octopus vulgaris. D-Asp increases in concentration in the retina and optic lobes as the animal develops. In neonatal S.
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