Glutamate (neurotransmitter)
Glutamate is a major constituent of a wide variety of proteins; consequently it is one of the most abundant amino acids in the human body. Under ordinary conditions enough is obtained from the diet that there is no need for any to be synthesized. Nevertheless, glutamate is formally classified as a non-essential amino acid, because it can be synthesized from alpha-Ketoglutaric acid, which is produced as part of the citric acid cycle by a series of reactions whose starting point is citrate. Glutamate cannot cross the blood-brain barrier unassisted, but it is actively transported into the nervous system by a high affinity transport system, which maintains its concentration in brain fluids at a fairly constant level.
Casamino acid
Casamino acids are either found in the Daptacel brand DTaP vaccine or used in its manufacture.
Casamino acid is a hydrochloric acid hydrolysate of casein. It supplies a completely hydrolyzed protein nitrogen source. It contains a small amount of cystine. Tryptophan and vitamins are destroyed by the acid treatment. The remaining amino acids (in varying amounts) are a source of nutrients for various microorganisms. Amino acids are highly soluble and suitable for use in tissue culture. Salt content is typically 30-40%.