Glutamine synthetase in astrocytes of the caudate and putamen is responsible for locomotor sensitization after nicotine exposure.

ABSTRACT: Glutamine synthetase (GS) in astrocytes regulates glutamatergic neurotransmission by maintaining glutamate clearance in the brain. This study determined that GS in astrocytes of the caudate and putamen (CPu) regulates locomotor sensitization after repeated nicotine exposure. Nicotine increased phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (pJNK) by stimulating α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in cultured glioma C6 cells and primary astrocytes in a Ca²⁺-dependent manner. Active JNK phosphorylated metabotropic glutamate receptor 1a (mGluR1a) at the carboxyl terminus of glutathione S-transferase-tagged mGluR1a in vitro. Interference with the pJNK-mGluR1a interaction using the inhibitory peptide, Tat-mGluR1a-i (10 μmol/L), decreased the nicotine-induced increase in

SUBMITTER: Yang JH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12750173 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature