Uridine by Ray Sahelian, M.D. (natural medicine information)

Cytidine and uridine can stimulate brain phosphatide synthesis. MIT brain researchers are working on a combination of dietary supplements that may be helpful in mind enhancement or the treatment of age related mental decline. The MIT research suggests that a cocktail treatment of omega-3 fatty acids, uridine and Choline are all needed by brain neurons to make phospholipids, the primary component of cell membranes. After adding those supplements to the diets of gerbils, the researchers observed a dramatic increase in the amount of membranes that form brain cell synapses, where messages between cells are relayed. Damage in brain synapses is believed to cause the dementia that characterizes Alzheimer's disease. For an excellent supplement comprised of several herbs and nutrients, consider Mind-Power-Rx.

Definition of Uridine - Uridine is a molecule known as a nucleoside formed when uracil is attached to a ribose ring. If uracil is attached to a deoxyribose ring, it is known as a deoxyuridine.

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Uridine Research Update
Cytidine and Uridine Increase Striatal CDP-Choline Levels Without Decreasing Acetylcholine Synthesis or Release.
Cell Mol Neurobiol. 2006 Apr 25;Ulus IH, Watkins CJ, Cansev M, Wurtman RJ.
Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Uludag University Medical School, Bursa, Turkey.

Treatments that increase acetylcholine release from brain slices decrease the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine by, and its levels in, the slices. We examined whether adding cytidine or uridine to the slice medium, which increases the utilization of choline to form phospholipids, also decreases acetylcholine levels and release. These data show that cytidine and uridine can stimulate brain phosphatide synthesis without diminishing acetylcholine synthesis or release.

Synaptic proteins and phospholipids are increased in gerbil brain by administering uridine plus docosahexaenoic acid orally.
Brain Res. 2006 Apr 19; Wurtman RJ, Ulus IH, Cansev M, Watkins CJ, Wang L, Marzloff G.
Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MIT, Cambridge, MA
The synthesis of brain phosphatidylcholine may utilize three circulating precursors: choline; a pyrimidine (e.g., uridine, converted via UTP to brain CTP); and a PUFA (e.g., docosahexaenoic acid); phosphatidylethanolamine may utilize two of these, a pyrimidine and a PUFA. We observe that consuming these precursors can substantially increase membrane phosphatide and synaptic protein levels in gerbil brains. Alzheimer's disease brains contain fewer and smaller synapses and reduced levels of synaptic proteins, membrane phosphatides, choline and DHA. The three phosphatide precursors might thus be useful in treating this disease.

Effects of uridine in models of epileptogenesis and seizures.
Epilepsy Res. 2006 Apr 16; Zhao Q, Marolewski A, Rusche JR, Holmes GL.
Neuroscience Center at Dartmouth, Section of Neurology, Dartmouth Medical School, Lebanon, New Hampshire
Uridine, a possible endogenous antiepileptic modulator, has been demonstrated to have anticonvulsant effects in some models of epilepsy. In this study, we examined possible neuroprotective effects of uridine by administering the agent following lithium-pilocarpine induced status epilepticus.  There was a trend for reduced EEG spike frequency, improved visual spatial memory and better histology score in rats receiving uridine. The antiepileptogenic and anticonvulsant effects of uridine were studied by administering uridine to rats undergoing rapid kindling or following full kindling. In the rapid kindling models, uridine had a moderate antiepileptogenic and anticonvulsant effect. These results suggest uridine may have potential to aid in the prevention and treatment of epilepsy.

Uridine emails
Q. I am looking for a daily rridine treatment for a patient (20 mo old female with hereditary Orotic aciduria) , and having difficulties finding a supplier. Your web site comes up as a source for information. I would appreciate if you can let me know of a pharmaceutical grade supplier for Uridine.
   A. Sorry, we have not looked into sales of uridine or suppliers.

Q. I'm just wondering uridine is not found in Mind Power Rx formula.
   A. There are dozens of effective mind boosting herbs and nutrients. Mind Power Rx has about a dozen of them. Not every potential mind enhancer can be included in a formula.