Reduction in the MK-801 binding sites of the NMDA sub-type of glutamate receptor in a mouse model of congenital hyperammonemia: Prevention by acetyl-L-carnitine

Our earlier studies on the pharmacotherapeutic effects of acetyl-l-carnitine (ALCAR), in sparse-fur (spf) mutant mice with X linked ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency, have shown a restoration of cerebral ATP, depleted by congenital hyperammonemia and hyperglutaminemia. The reduced cortical glutamate and increased quinolinate may cause a down-regulation of the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, observed by us in adult spf mice. We have now studied the kinetics of [³H]-MK-801 binding to NMDA receptors in spf mice of different ages to see the effect of chronic hyperammonemia on the glutamate neurotransmission. We have also studied the Ca²⁺-dependent and independent (4-aminopyridine (AP) and veratridine-mediated) release of glutamate and the uptake of [³H]-glutamate in synaptosomes isolated from mutant spf mice and normal CD-1 controls. All these studies were done with and without ALCAR treatment (4 mmol/kg wt i.p. daily for 2 weeks), to see if its effect on ATP repletion could correct the glutamate neurotransmitter abnormalities. Our results indicate a normal MK-801 binding in 12-day-old spf mice but a significant reduction immediately after weaning (21 day), continuing into the adult stage. The Ca²⁺-independent release of endogenous glutamate from synaptosomes was significantly elevated at 35 days, while the uptake of glutamate into synaptosomes was significantly reduced in spf mice. ALCAR treatment significantly enhanced the MK-801 binding, neutralized the increased glutamate release and restored the glutamate uptake into synaptosomes of spf mice. These studies point out that: (a) the developmental abnormalities of the NMDA sub-type of glutamate receptor in spf mice could be due to the effect of sustained hyperammonemia, causing a persistent release of excess glutamate and inhibition of the ATP-dependent glutamate transport, (b) the modulatory effects of ALCAR on the NMDA binding sites could be through a repletion of ATP, required by the transporters to efficiently remove extracellular glutamate. Copyright (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd.