Purification of Serotonin Nerve Terminals

血清素，一种在中枢神经系统中发现的化合物 在哺乳动物中，参与了冲动的传递， 神经细胞 虽然数量很少，但肾上腺素能神经细胞 与许多重要的现象有关，比如睡眠， 控制食物摄入和疼痛。 本研究的目的是 开发出一种分离多巴胺能神经末梢的方法， 将细胞净化成完整的功能状态 这 调查需要制定一整套具体的 5-羟色胺神经元的荧光标记。 沃尔夫博士将利用 高亲和力5-羟色胺类似物，其将结合 巯基与5-羟色胺的伯氨基连接。 荧光素、荧光标记物和其它合适的标记物， 可以通过巯基与类似物偶联。 标记物被肾上腺素能神经元吸收， 在荧光显微镜下可见。 的结果 探索性研究将促进我们对 调节和生物化学基础 神经传递

Serotonin, a compound found throughout the central nervous system of mammals, is involved in the transmission of impulses between nerve cells. Though small in number, serotonergic nerve cells have been implicated in many important phenomena such as sleep, control of food intake and pain. The aim of this research is to develop a method to isolate serotonergic nerve terminals, purifying the cells in an intact, functioning state. This investigation entails of developing a complete set of specific fluorescent markers for serotonin neurons. Dr. Wolf will utilize high affinity serotonin analogues which will incorporate a sulfhydryl group to the primary amino group of serotonin. Fluorescein, a fluorescent marker, and other suitable markers, can be coupled through the sulfhydryl group to the analogues. The markers are absorbed by serotonergic neurons which become visible under a fluorescent microscope. The results of this exploratory study will advance our understanding in the regulation and the biochemical basis of serotonergic neurotransmission.