Nitric oxide modulates Ca2+ channel currents in rat sympathetic neurons.
The effects of nitric oxide on the Ca2+ channel currents of adult rat superior cervical ganglion neurons were investigated using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Nitric oxide-containing compounds sodium nitroprusside and S-nitroso-N-acetyl-penicillamine increased the amplitude of Ca2+ currents by intracellular application. In addition, both sodium nitroprusside and S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine reduced norepinephrine-induced inhibition of Ca2+ currents. The results suggest that nitric oxide might be involved in the modulation of Ca(2+)-dependent neurotransmission in sympathetic neurons.
Chen
C
C
Department of Physiology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112.
Schofield
G G
GG
D000818:Animals; D015220:Calcium Channels / Q000187:drug effects*; D004594:Electrophysiology; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008297:Male; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000494:pharmacology; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D013564:Sympathetic Nervous System / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects*
D015220:Calcium Channels; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D009638:Norepinephrine