β‐ Alanine, a Possible Neurotransmitter in the Visual System?

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Abstract
Abstract— The chemically evoked efflux of endogenous amino acids from perfused rabbit superior colliculus (SC) slices was studied. Amino acids in the perfusates were determined fluorimetrically with a precolumn derivatisation method and subsequent separation on an HPLC column. Potassium‐induced depolarisation caused a calcium‐dependent release of β‐alanine, GABA, glutamate, and aspartate. Veratridine‐evoked efflux was essentially similar in selectivity and could be blocked by tetrodotoxin (TTX). The results are indicative of a neurotransmitter role of β‐alanine, GABA, glutamate, and aspartate in the SC of the rabbit.