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Demonstration of Kynurenine Aminotransferases I and II and Characterization of Kynurenic Acid Synthesis in Oligodendrocyte Cell Line (OLN-93)

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In the present study we demonstrate for the first time that both kynurenine aminotransferase (KAT) isoforms I and II are present in the permanent immature rat oligodendrocytes cell line (OLN-93). Moreover, we provide evidence that OLN-93 cells are able to synthesize kynurenic acid (KYNA) from exogenously added l-kynurenine and we characterize its regulation by extrinsic factors. KYNA production in OLN-93 cells was depressed in the presence of aminotransferase inhibitor, aminooxyacetic acid and was not affected by depolarizing agents such as 50 mM K+ and 4-aminopyridine. Glutamate agonists, l-glutamate and d,l-homocysteine significantly decreased KYNA production. Selective agonist of ionotropic glutamate receptors Amino-2,3-dihydro-5-methyl-3-oxo-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) lowered KYNA production in OLN-93 cell line, whereas N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) had no influence on KYNA production. Furthermore, KYNA synthesis in OLN-93 cells was decreased in a concentration-dependent manner by amino acids transported by l-system, l-leucine, l-cysteine and l-tryptophan. The role of KYNA synthesis in oligodendrocytes needs further investigation.

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Wejksza, K., Rzeski, W., Okuno, E. et al. Demonstration of Kynurenine Aminotransferases I and II and Characterization of Kynurenic Acid Synthesis in Oligodendrocyte Cell Line (OLN-93). Neurochem Res 30, 963–968 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11064-005-6178-z

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