Release of ethanolamine, but not of serine or choline, in rat pontine nuclei on stimulation of afferents from the cortex, in vivo

J Neurochem. 1986 May;46(5):1338-43. doi: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.1986.tb01744.x.

Abstract

Release of ethanolamine, serine, and choline in rat pontine nuclei on electrical stimulation of afferents from the cortex was investigated using in vivo push-pull cannula techniques. Ethanolamine was determined by using gas chromatographic techniques; serine was measured with a HPLC system; and choline was assayed with a luminescence method. Resting elution rates of ethanolamine, serine, and choline were 50.8 +/- 8.4, 34.8 +/- 12.6, and 1.16 +/- 0.20 pmol/5 min, respectively. Stimulation of the cortico-pontine tract evoked a highly significant 3.4-fold increase in release of ethanolamine, whereas serine and choline release was unaffected. Reactions in membrane phospholipids are most likely involved in the stimulation-dependent release of ethanolamine and special consideration was given to base-exchange reactions. Alternatively, a release from intracellular, possibly synaptic stores cannot be excluded.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Afferent Pathways / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Cerebral Cortex / physiology*
  • Choline / metabolism
  • Electric Stimulation
  • Ethanolamine
  • Ethanolamines / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Kinetics
  • Male
  • Mesencephalon / physiology
  • Pons / physiology*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Inbred Strains
  • Serine / metabolism

Substances

  • Ethanolamines
  • Serine
  • Ethanolamine
  • Choline