H. Pasantesmorales et A. Schousboe, ROLE OF TAURINE IN OSMOREGULATION IN BRAIN-CELLS - MECHANISMS AND FUNCTIONAL IMPLICATIONS, Amino acids, 12(3-4), 1997, pp. 281-292
All cells including neurons and glial cells are able to keep their vol
ume within a very limited range. The volume regulatory mechanism invol
ves changes in the concentration of osmolytes of which taurine appears
to be of particular importance in brain cells. Swelling in brain cell
s may occur as a result of depolarization or small fluctuations in osm
olarity. In isolated brain cells these conditions will always lead to
a release of taurine, the time course of which is superimposable on th
at of the volume regulatory decrease which follows the initial cell sw
elling. The mechanism responsible for taurine release associated with
swelling has not been fully elucidated but a large body of evidence se
ems to exclude participation of the taurine high affinity carrier. Usi
ng a number of inhibitors of anion exchangers it has been demonstrated
that both volume regulation and taurine release in brain cells are in
hibited by these drugs, implicating an anion channel in the process. I
t has been a controversial issue as to whether or not taurine release
is Ca++ dependent. Recent evidence appears to suggest that the release
process is not associated with Ca++ or Ca++ channels. It is, however,
quite possible that the swelling process may involve the Ca++ calmodu
lin system or other second messengers. Taurine also contributes to vol
ume regulation after shrinkage of brain cells, in this case by increas
ing its intracellular concentration. This change is accomplished by an
upregulation of the Na+/taurine cotransporter, together with reduced
passive fluxes and increased endogenous synthesis.