Journal of Neuroscience, Vol 10, 2687-2698, Copyright © 1990 by Society for Neuroscience
Endogenous modulation of ACh release by somatostatin and the differential roles of Ca2+ channels
DB Gray, D Zelazny, N Manthay and G Pilar
Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs 06269.
The classical neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) and the potential
modulatory peptide somatostatin are colocalized in terminals of avian
choroid neurons. We previously showed that exogenous somatostatin inhibits
ACh release in the choroid coat (Gray et al., 1989b). In the present work
we determine whether endogenous somatostatin plays a role in
neuromodulation and what mechanisms are involved. To determine its role and
its mode of secretion, voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels in these terminals
were identified pharmacologically using Ca2(+)- dependent K(+)-evoked ACh
release. Release of the primary transmitter ACh was triggered in the
presence of high K+ by Ca2+ influx primarily via dihydropyridine
(DHP)-insensitive channels, while inhibition of ACh release occurred when
L-type channels were activated by the DHP agonist Bay K 8644. The
somatostatin antagonist cyclo(7-aminoheptanoyl-phe-D- trp-lys-thr (BZL))
(CyCam) blocks the inhibition of ACh release induced by the agonist Bay K
8644 and indicates that endogenous somatostatin may normally modulate ACh
release. Additionally, nifedipine, a DHP antagonist, and pertussis toxin,
known to antagonize somatostatin's effect on ACh release, both reverse the
Bay K 8644 effect on ACh release. Although the release of labeled ACh in
the first 3 min collection period was not significantly affected by CyCam
or nifedipine alone, release in the first minute was enhanced by 50% in the
presence of 10 microM nifedipine. Preincubation with CyCam alone also
increased ACh release. These results support the hypothesis that endogenous
somatostatin is physiologically released during the initial minute of
depolarization in high K+ and that this release is mediated by DHP-
sensitive Ca2+ channels.