Argipressin(4-8) upregulate CTP: phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase in rat hippocampal neurons.

In order to study the effect of argipressin(4-8)(AVP(4-8)) on the mRNA level and activity of cytidine triphosphate: phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase(CCT) in rat hippocampal neurons, and elucidate it's possible mechanism. Rat hippocampal neurons treated with AVP(4-8) or actinomycin D were incubated with different time periods. The mRNA level of CCT was detected using RT-PCR plus Southern blot, CCT activity was determined by measuring the rate of incorporation of (14)C - phosphocholine into cytidine diphosphate-choline(CDP-choline).

Arginine Vasopressin(4-8) Mobilizes Intracellular Calcium in C6 Glioma Cells.

To understand the mechanism of neurotrophic action of neuropeptide ZNC(C)PR, which could affect growth of C6 cells, fluorescent dye Fluo-3 and confocal laser scanning microscope were used to assay the intracellular calcium in C6 glioma cells. It was found that ZNC(C)PR and it's analogue NLPR could mobilize intracellular calcium in a dose-dependent manner. The ZNC(C)PR antagnist, ZDC(C)PR, could inhibit the process, and the extracellular calcium did not influence it.

ZNC(C)PR Induces Phosphorylation of CREB in Rat Hippocampus.

ZNC(C)PR can facilitate the learning and memory in rat. Transgenic experiments have revealed that long-term memory depended on cyclic AMP-response element binding protein, CREB. CREB phosphorylation at serine-133 is essential for it's transcriptional activity.

Localization of CCTbeta in rat brain and overexpression in insect cells.

Aim: To study the localization of CTP: phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase beta isoform (CCTbeta) in rat brain, its expression in insect cells and enzymatic properties.

Methods: Using digoxigenin-labeled CCTbeta probes, in situ hybridization was carried out in rat brain wax sections. CCTbeta was overexpressed in Trichoplusia Ni (Tn) cells using baculovirus expression system.