Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions β written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Agmatine
Introduction
Agmatine ((4-aminobutyl)guanidine, NH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-NH-C(-NH2)(=NH)) is the decarboxylation product of the amino acid arginine and is an intermediate in polyamine biosynthesis. It is discussed as a putative neurotransmitter. It is synthesized in the brain, stored in synaptic vesicles, accumulated by uptake, released by membrane depolarization, and inactivated by agmatinase. Agmatine binds to Ξ±2–adrenergic receptor and imidazoline binding sites, and blocks NMDA receptors and other cation ligand-gated channels. Agmatine inhibits nitric oxide synthase (NOS), and induces the release of some peptide hormones. Treatment with exogenous agmatine exerts neuroprotective effects in animal models of neurotrauma.
The term “agmatine” was coined in 1910 by Albrecht Kossel, the German scientist who first identified the substance in herring sperm.[1]
References
- β Kossel, Albrecht 1910. Γber das Agmatin. Zeitschrift fΓΌr Physiologische Chemie 66: 257-261
- Jae-Hwan Kim, et al. Agmatine reduces infarct area in a mouse model of transient focal cerebral ischemia and protects cultured neurons from ischemia-like injury. Experimental Neurology. 189 (2004) 122β 130
- Sa-Hyun Kim. Regulation of subventricular zone stem cell proliferation and differentiation by agmatine. Graduate School, Yonsei University. (2006) article