Direct neurotrophic action of glycyl-L-glutamine in the maintenance of acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase in the preganglionically denervated superior cervical ganglion of the cat.

Intracarotid infusion of glycyl-L-glutamine (Gly-Gln) was shown previously to oppose the fall in the acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase contents of the cat superior cervical ganglion (SCG) that otherwise follows preganglionic denervation. However, its effect was demonstrable only on the vascularly remote left SCG but not on the directly infused right SCG. Accordingly, it was concluded that a metabolite of Gly-Gln, formed in the blood, is an active neurotrophic factor. Glycyl-L-glutamic acid and L-glutamic acid were subsequently found to have a similar but less marked effect on both SCG. In the present study an alternative explanation has been tested: that Gly-Gln must combine slowly with some component of plasma to enable it to penetrate the ganglion cells and exert its neurotrophic effect. Findings are consistent with the latter proposal.