Nigella sativaL. Seed Extract Modulates the Neurotransmitter Amino Acids Release in Cultured NeuronsIn Vitro

[摘要] Nigella sativaL. (NS) has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times. Thisstudy aimed to investigate the cytotoxicity of NS dry methanolic extract on culturedcortical neurons and its influence on neurotransmitter release, as well as the presence ofexcitatory (glutamate and aspartate) and inhibitory amino acids (gamma-aminobutyricacid—GABA— and glycine) in NS extract. Cultured rat cortical neurons were exposed todifferent times and concentrations of NS dry methanolic extract and cell viability wasthen determined by a quantitative colorimetric method. NS did not induce any toxicity. The secretion of different amino acids was studied in primary cultured cortical neuronsby high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using a derivation before injectionwith dansyl chloride. NS modulated amino acid release in cultured neurons; GABA wassignificantly increased whereas secretion of glutamate, aspartate, and glycine weredecreased. Thein vitrofindings support the hypothesis that the sedative and depressiveeffects of NS observedin vivocould be based on changes of inhibitory/excitatory aminoacids levels.

[学科分类] 基础医学