Tritiated proline when injected into the nervous system of cats, is incorporated preferentially into glial cells. The unusual incorporation pattern suggested the existence of a previously unrecognized glial-neuronal communication system. This system involves the translocation of molecules from glial cells into neuronal soma followed by axonal transport and partial redistribution to adjacent glial processes. The long-term goals of the research are to characterize the molecules involved in the translocation sequence and to understand the operations and functions of the system. These studies will utilize anatomical and biochemical methods to characterize the preferential incorporation of proline into feline glia and to determine the translocation process to neurons. Other studies will document the suitability of the rat and determine the use of optimal neuronal pathways. Future studies will address questions regarding possible functions of the glial-neuronal communication system during neuronal activity and maturation. Although neuroscientists agree that brain function is carried out by combined actions of neurons and glia, the actual mechanisms of communication and cooperation are poorly understood. These studies are designed to improve this understanding.
