Purification of Serotonin Nerve Terminals

5-羟色胺是一种存在于哺乳动物中枢神经系统的化合物，参与神经细胞之间的冲动传递。5-羟色胺能神经细胞虽然数量不多，但与睡眠、控制进食和疼痛等许多重要现象有关。这项研究的目的是开发一种分离5-羟色胺能神经末梢的方法，纯化处于完整、功能状态的细胞。这项研究需要开发一套完整的针对5-羟色胺神经元的特异性荧光标记。沃尔夫博士将利用高亲和力的5-羟色胺类似物，它将在5-羟色胺的主氨基中加入一个巯基。荧光标记物荧光素和其他合适的标记物可以通过巯基偶联到类似物上。这些标记物被5-羟色胺能神经元吸收，在荧光显微镜下可以看到。本探索性研究的结果将促进我们对5-羟色胺能神经传递的调节和生化基础的理解。

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.