Comparison of effects of DL-threo-beta-benzyloxyaspartate (DL-TBOA) and L-trans-pyrrolidine-2,4-dicarboxylate (t-2,4-PDC) on uptake and release of [3h]D-aspartate in astrocytes and glutamatergic neurons.

Uptake and release processes in cerebellar astrocytes and granule neurons (glutamatergic) for glutamate were investigated by the use of [3H]D-aspartate, a non-metabolizable glutamate analog. The effects of DL-threo-beta-benzyloxyaspartate (DL-TBOA) and L-trans-pyrrolidine-2,4-dicarboxylate (t-2,4-PDC) on uptake and release of [3H]D-aspartate were studied. Both compounds inhibited potently uptake of [3H]D-aspartate in neurons and astrocytes (IC50 values 10-100 microM), DL-TBOA being slightly more potent than t-2,4-PDC. Release of preloaded [3H]D-aspartate from neurons or astrocytes could be stimulated by addition of excess t-2,4-PDC whereas addition of DL-TBOA had no effect on [3H]D-aspartate efflux. Moreover, DL-TBOA inhibited significantly the depolarization-induced (55 mM KCI) release of preloaded [3H]D-aspartate in the neurons. The results reflect the fact that DL-TBOA is not transported by the glutamate carriers while t-2,4-PDC is a substrate which may heteroexchange with [3H]D-aspartate. It is suggested that DL-TBOA may be used to selectively inhibit depolarization coupled glutamate release mediated by reversal of the carriers.