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. 1994 May 24;91(11):4771–4775. doi: 10.1073/pnas.91.11.4771

N- and P-type Ca2+ channels are involved in acetylcholine release at a neuroneuronal synapse: only the N-type channel is the target of neuromodulators.

P Fossier 1, G Baux 1, L Tauc 1
PMCID: PMC43870  PMID: 7910963

Abstract

Cholinergic transmission in an identified neuro-neuronal synapse of the Aplysia buccal ganglion was depressed by application of a partially purified extract of the funnel-web-spider venom (FTx) or of its synthetic analog (sFTx). This specific blocker of voltage-dependent P-type Ca2+ channels did not interfere with the effect of the N-type Ca2+ channel blocker omega-conotoxin, which could further decrease synaptic transmission after a previous application of FTx. Similar results were obtained when the reversal order of application of these two Ca2+ channel blockers was used. Both P- and N-type Ca2+ currents trigger acetylcholine release in the presynaptic neuron. The neuromodulatory effects of FMRF-amide, histamine, and buccalin on transmitter release disappeared after the blockade of the N-type Ca2+ channels but remained still effective in the presence of FTx. These results indicate that only N-type Ca2+ channels appear to be sensitive to the neuromodulators we have identified.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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