Taxol stabilizes synaptosomal microtubules without inhibiting acetylcholine release.
Synaptosomes assemble an equatorial coil of microtubules during incubation at 37 degrees C. Stimulation of synaptosomes by veratridine or A23187 for 5 min results in disassembly of the microtubules. The role of microtubule disassembly in neurotransmitter release was investigated using the microtubule-stabilizing drug taxol. Taxol stimulates microtubule assembly in synaptosomes and prevents microtubule disassembly caused by A23187. However, taxol has no effect on the release of [3H]acetylcholine triggered by veratridine or A23187. These results suggest that microtubule turnover is not necessary for neurotransmitter release.
D000109:Acetylcholine / Q000378:metabolism*; D000470:Alkaloids / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D000001:Calcimycin / Q000494:pharmacology; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008870:Microtubules / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D017239:Paclitaxel; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D013574:Synaptosomes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure
D000470:Alkaloids; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D000001:Calcimycin; D000109:Acetylcholine; D017239:Paclitaxel