In vitro interaction between bovine adrenal medullary cell membranes and chromaffin granules: Specific control by Ca²⁺

Summary

The control of the in vitro interaction between bovine adrenal medullary plasma membernes and chromaffin granules by calcium has been studied. This interaction, which has previously been shown to result in the release of the soluble granular content, is a possible cell-free model for exocytosis. The plasma memberane-induced catecholamine release was stimulated when the [Ca²⁺] exceeded 2×10⁻⁷M. A maximal release was reached at 10⁻⁵M with a half maximal response around 10⁻⁶M. Mg²⁺ was not able to stimulate the system in the absence of Ca²⁺. These data suggest a high specificity of the calcium controlled exocytotic mechanism and the absence of an antagonism by high concentrations (10⁻⁵–10⁻¹M) of magnesium at the exocytotic site itself.