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. 1991 Nov 15;88(22):10069–10073. doi: 10.1073/pnas.88.22.10069

Acetylcholine induces voltage-independent increase of cytosolic calcium in mouse myotubes.

A Giovannelli 1, F Grassi 1, E Mattei 1, A M Mileo 1, F Eusebi 1, A Giovanelli 1
PMCID: PMC52869  PMID: 1946425

Abstract

Electrophysiological, biochemical, and Ca2+ imaging studies of cultured mouse myotubes were used to investigate whether the neurotransmitter acetylcholine causes an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) through activation of a second messenger system. Bath applications of acetylcholine to myotubes (i) elicited a significant membrane current even in a Na(+)-free Ca2+ medium, when the current was carried mainly by calcium ions; (ii) caused a rapid and transient cytosolic accumulation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate; (iii) evoked a conspicuous alpha-bungarotoxin-sensitive long-lasting [Ca2+]i enhancement even in the presence of Cd2+; and (iv) transiently increased [Ca2+]i when cells were equilibrated in a Ca(2+)-free atropine-containing medium. We propose that, in addition to opening ion channels, the nicotinic action of acetylcholine on the muscle cell membrane increases [Ca2+]i through activation of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate second messenger system and mobilization of Ca2+ from intracellular stores.

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Selected References

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