Myelin-associated glycoprotein, MAG, selectively binds several neuronal proteins

Myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) is a potent inhibitor of axonal regeneration and also, depending on the age and type of neuron, can promote axonal growth. In addition, MAG influences stability of both myelin and the axon in the intact, mature nervous system. The identity of the neuron/axonal MAG-binding receptor responsible for effecting these responses is not known. Here we show that a soluble, chimeric form of MAG, MAG-Fc, can bind to the neuronal cell body and neurites equally well, in a sialic acid-dependent manner. Importantly, MAG-Fc specifically precipitates a number of surface proteins from post-natal cerebellar, dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and PC12 neurons. These proteins are not precipitated by a control Fc-containing chimera and are not apparent when a MAG antibody is included in the precipitation mix as a competitive inhibitor. Based on molecular weight, two prominent proteins of 190 and 250 kD are precipitated from all three neuron types. The 190 kD protein is a sialoglycoprotein, since it is not apparent in the precipitate from neurons which have been desialylated. Other proteins are precipitated but are less abundant and are different for each type of neuron. One or more of these proteins is/are likely to be the functional MAG receptor.

Amino acids and memory consolidation in the cricket. II: Effect of injected amino acids and opioids on memory

The effect of injections of selected amino acids on memory, given before a maze-learning, was investigated. Thirsty crickets (Pteronemobius sp.) were trained to turn only to one side of a symmetrical Y-shaped maze using reinforcements with water. The insects retained the learned task 24 hr later. N2 anoxia applied immediately after training produced retrograde amnesia. Injections of Ala, Arg, Gln or morphine prior to training blocked the amnesic action of anoxia, whereas those of Cys, Met, Pro, Orn, octopamine or naloxone did not. Naloxone blocked long-term memory formation, but not learning, whereas Pro and Orn blocked both. The antiamnesic effect of morphine and Arg, but not that of Ala, was blocked by naloxone. A hypothesis assigning a neuromodulatory role to some amino acids is put forward.