METABOLISM OFN-ACETYL-L-ASPARTIC ACID IN MICE

Abstract

Labeled N-acetyl-L-aspartic acid was injected intraperitoneally and intracerebrally into mice. Its metabolism was studied at different time intervals after injection by collecting CO2and by identifying the radioactive metabolites in urine. The localization of injected labeled N-acetyl-L-aspartic acid and of L-aspartic acid was studied by autoradiography. The results show that N-acetyl-L-aspartic acid does not cross the blood–brain barrier, is rapidly metabolized, and that some is excreted unchanged through the kidneys. It can be concluded that N-acetyl-L-aspartic acid is synthesized in the brain and is rapidly metabolized in the body.