Nigella sativa L. Seed Extract Modulates the Neurotransmitter Amino Acids Release in Cultured Neurons In Vitro
Nigella sativa L. (NS) has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times. This study aimed to investigate the cytotoxicity of NS dry methanolic extract on cultured cortical neurons and its influence on neurotransmitter release, as well as the presence of excitatory (glutamate and aspartate) a...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Hindawi Limited
2010-01-01
|
| Series: | Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2010/398312 |
| Summary: | Nigella sativa L. (NS) has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times. This
study aimed to investigate the cytotoxicity of NS dry methanolic extract on cultured
cortical neurons and its influence on neurotransmitter release, as well as the presence of
excitatory (glutamate and aspartate) and inhibitory amino acids (gamma-aminobutyric
acid—GABA—and glycine) in NS extract. Cultured rat cortical neurons were exposed to
different times and concentrations of NS dry methanolic extract and cell viability was
then determined by a quantitative colorimetric method. NS did not induce any toxicity.
The secretion of different amino acids was studied in primary cultured cortical neurons
by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using a derivation before injection
with dansyl chloride. NS modulated amino acid release in cultured neurons; GABA was
significantly increased whereas secretion of glutamate, aspartate, and glycine were
decreased. The in vitro findings support the hypothesis that the sedative and depressive
effects of NS observed in vivo could be based on changes of inhibitory/excitatory amino
acids levels. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 1110-7243 1110-7251 |