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

  • Original Article
  • Molecular and Cellular Physiology
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Abstract

α-Latrotoxin (α-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 α-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 ≤ 10–20 μM reduces the α-LT-induced rise in membrane capacitance by at least sixfold, on average, and nearly abolishes α-LT-induced quantal amperometric events, while still permitting insertion of non-selective cation channels. Based on these experiments, we argue that the rapid onset of α-LT action in promoting massive quantal release from chromaffin cells is primarily due to an increase in the Ca2+ permeability of the plasma membrane through non-selective cation channels.

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Author notes

  1. David W. Barnett

    Present address: Department of Electrical Engineering, Saint Louis University, Parks College, IL-62206, Cahokia, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Medicine and Cell Biology/Physiology, and Program in Neurosciences, Washington University School of Medicine, Box 8217, MO-63110, St. Louis, USA

    David W. Barnett, Jun Liu & Stanley Misler

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  1. David W. Barnett
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  2. Jun Liu
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  3. Stanley Misler
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Barnett, D.W., Liu, J. & Misler, S. Single-cell measurements of quantal secretion induced by α-latrotoxin from rat adrenal chromaffin cells: dependence on extracellular Ca2+ . Pflügers Arch — Eur J Physiol 432, 1039–1046 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004240050232

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004240050232

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