EFFECT OF DIETARY VITAMIN-E ON L-[H-3]GLUTAMATE BINDING IN RABBIT CEREBELLUM

To demonstrate the role of vitamin E on cerebellar function, studies o n rabbits fed low and high levels of dietary vitamin E were performed. The L-[H-3]glutamate binding to cerebellar membranes of rabbits fed n ormal, high and low vitamin E diet showed receptor density (B(max)) va lues (mean +/- SEM) of 274 +/- 13, 637 +/- 37, and 265 +/- 60 pmol/mg protein, respectively, and dissociation equilibrium constant (K(D)) va lues of 257 +/- 99, 233 +/- 77, and 120 +/- 15 nm, respectively. Signi ficant difference of B(max) from control was observed in the high diet ary vitamin E group and of K(D) from control for the low dietary vitam in E group. These results indicate that dietary vitamin E levels have demonstrable effects on the central nervous system, especially the glu tamate neurotransmitter system in rabbit cerebellum.