Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase in brain capillaries: possible site of a blood-brain barrier for amino acids

Science. 1974 Apr 5;184(4132):66-8. doi: 10.1126/science.184.4132.66.

Abstract

A fraction containing capillaries and rich in gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase was isolated from homogenates of bovine brain cortex by density gradient centrifugation. The enzyme was localized in the endothelial cells by a histochemical procedure. gamma-Glutantyl transpeptidase may function in the transfer of some amino acids across the blood-brain barrier.

MeSH terms

  • Alkaline Phosphatase / isolation & purification
  • Amino Acids / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Blood-Brain Barrier*
  • Capillaries / enzymology*
  • Cattle
  • Centrifugation, Density Gradient
  • Cerebral Cortex / blood supply
  • Cerebral Cortex / enzymology*
  • Endothelium / enzymology
  • Nucleotidases / isolation & purification
  • gamma-Glutamyltransferase / isolation & purification*
  • gamma-Glutamyltransferase / metabolism

Substances

  • Amino Acids
  • gamma-Glutamyltransferase
  • Nucleotidases
  • Alkaline Phosphatase