Volume Regulation of the Hippocampus

We conclude that cellular taurine is critical for volume regulation of the hippocampus during swelling caused by oxidative stress. Both pyramidal neurons and astroglial cells accumulate taurine in slices treated to restore normal taurine contents. Since H2O2 exposure alters synaptic function via an oxidative mechanism in slices with normal or diminished slice taurine contents, we conclude the effects of taurine are not mediated by the antioxidant properties of the taurine molecule. We suggest loss of taurine from the slice exposed to oxidative stress facilitates regulation of normal cell volume via osmotic effects.