title: Electrochemical detection of K(+)-evoked quantal secretory events from isolated rat type I carotid body cells.
abstract: Using amperometric techniques, electrochemical events associated with vesicular transmitter release were recorded from isolated rat type I carotid body cells when exposed to a solution containing 50 mM K+. Events were enhanced in amplitude by preloading cells with the catecholamine precursor, L-beta-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA). K(+)-evoked secretion was abolished by the non-selective Ca2+ channel blocker Cd2+ (100 microM) and markedly reduced by the L-type Ca2+ channel blocker nifedipine (5 microM). Our results indicate that secretion from isolated rat type I cells can be monitored electrochemically and we demonstrate a major role for L-type Ca2+ channels in mediating K(+)-evoked secretion.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Cardiovascular Research, Leeds University, UK.
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Hatton
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Peers
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002104:Cadmium / Q000494:pharmacology; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000494:pharmacology; D015220:Calcium Channels / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D002344:Carotid Body / Q000737:chemistry / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D004563:Electrochemistry; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007980:Levodopa / Q000378:metabolism; D009490:Neurosecretory Systems / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D009543:Nifedipine / Q000494:pharmacology; D011188:Potassium / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D011789:Quantum Theory; D051381:Rats
chemical_list: D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D015220:Calcium Channels; D002104:Cadmium; D007980:Levodopa; D009543:Nifedipine; D011188:Potassium