Chlorpromazine, but not chlorpromazine sulphoxide, stimulates transmitter release from motor nerve terminals

Z Y Sahaf, S J Publicover

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Treatment of frog neuromuscular preparations with chlorpromazine (5 mumol/l) resulted in a marked rise in miniature endplate potential (MEPP) frequency of greater than 100% within 30 min, and an increase in evoked transmitter release (quantal content 5-15) of about 35%. Treatment with chlorpromazine sulphoxide (5 microM), a derivative of chlorpromazine with a much lower affinity for calmodulin, had very little effect on either form of transmitter release. It is concluded that stimulatory effects of calmodulin-binding drugs at the nerve terminal may well be exerted through calmodulin inhibition. The stimulatory effect of chlorpromazine on MEPP frequency was markedly reduced in preparations bathed in EGTA-containing Ca2+-free saline, but the response was largely restored by raising the temperature by 3-4 degrees C. It is argued that despite this partial dependence on [Ca2+]o, stimulation of transmitter secretion by chlorpromazine is likely to be mediated by inhibition of calmodulin-activated Ca2+-ATPases, and consequent elevation of [Ca2+]i.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)397-401
Number of pages5
JournalBrain Research
Volume437
Issue number2
Publication statusPublished - 29 Dec 1987

Keywords

  • Animals
  • Neurotransmitter Agents
  • Neuromuscular Junction
  • Calcium
  • Motor Endplate
  • Membrane Potentials
  • Chlorpromazine
  • Calmodulin
  • Magnesium
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Rana temporaria
  • Motor Neurons

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Chlorpromazine, but not chlorpromazine sulphoxide, stimulates transmitter release from motor nerve terminals'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this