Many energy drinks contain components like caffeine, sugar, and taurine. Taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid) is also synthesized in the bodies of all animals where it acts as an osmoregulator and functionally mimics GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, by activating GABA receptors; however, there exists minimal data on the long-term effects of this component. This inspired our interest in examining the effects that this compound can exert on the electrical activity of neurons. Crayfish serve as great electrophysiological models as they are inexpensive, readily available, and the nervous tissue is stable for long durations post-dissection. Procambarus clarkii had their abdominal flexor muscles dissected using a stereomicroscope and the preparations were kept in saline. The extracellular recordings were obtained using electrophysiology equipment from nerve bundles branching from the nerve cord. After acquiring baseline activity, 20 uM serotonin or 1 or 5 mM taurine was added to the preparation. From the experiment, we found that application of 1 mM taurine causes an excitatory effect on neuronal firing, while application of 5 mM taurine causes an inhibitory effect, while serotonin causes an increase in neuronal activity. We see that, with statistical analysis, lower concentrations of taurine appear to stimulate neuronal activity while higher concentrations inhibit neuronal activity. This allows us to gain insight into the cellular mechanism associated with the compound and calls for further research to determine the taurine concentration threshold which leads to inhibitory effects. We can also determine how taurine can be used as a neuroprotective agent in many neurological disorders.

Dr. Fenglian Xu is an influential mentor who helped the group gather materials, taught them how to complete the experiment, and helped the group understand the project’s purpose. She spent a lot of 1:1 time with the group and offered her guidance throughout the duration of the project. The group was able to develop experience not only with presenting the research, but also with understanding how to conduct wet lab research. She has a great amount of knowledge and experience, and the group is thankful for her continuous support and help with the project and as a mentor.