Single-cell measurements of quantal secretion induced by alpha-latrotoxin from rat adrenal chromaffin cells: dependence on extracellular Ca2

alpha-Latrotoxin (alpha-LT), from black widow spider venom, is a potent enhancer of the spontaneous quantal release of neurotransmitter from a variety of nerve terminals and clonal neurosecretory cells. Using electrochemical amperometry and estimation of membrane impedance by phase detection, we pre...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Pflügers Archiv 1996-10, Vol.432 (6), p.1039-1046
Main Authors: Barnett, D W, Liu, J, Misler, S
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adrenal Medulla - metabolism
Animals
Calcium - metabolism
Calcium - pharmacology
Catecholamines - metabolism
Cell Membrane - physiology
Cell Membrane Permeability
Chromaffin System - metabolism
Cytosol - metabolism
Electric Conductivity
Electrochemistry
Exocytosis
Ion Channels - metabolism
Rats
Spider Venoms - pharmacology
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Summary:alpha-Latrotoxin (alpha-LT), from black widow spider venom, is a potent enhancer of the spontaneous quantal release of neurotransmitter from a variety of nerve terminals and clonal neurosecretory cells. Using electrochemical amperometry and estimation of membrane impedance by phase detection, we present evidence that alpha-LT induces exocytosis of catecholamines from rat adrenal chromaffin cells beginning as rapidly as 30 s after close application of the toxin. This release is largely dependent on adequate levels of extracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]o). Lowering [Ca2+]o from 2 mM to
ISSN:0031-6768
1432-2013
DOI:10.1007/s004240050232