GABA release mechanism in the golden hamster retina

High K+ medium and glutamate elicited a significant [3H]-GABA release in the golden hamster retina. High K+ -induced GABA release was largely calcium-dependent, while the effect of glutamate was Ca2+ -independent. After replacing Na+ by Li+, glutamate-evoked [3H]-GABA release was abolished, while high K+ -evoked release remained unchanged. The effect of glutamate was completely blocked by DNQX but not by APV. Furthermore, kainate induced [3H]-GABA release, whereas NMDA was ineffective. Assessment of endogenous GABA efflux further confirmed results obtained for [3H]-GABA. GABA-like immunoreactivity was observed in amacrine cells, in neurons localized in ganglion cell layer, as well as in fibers and terminals at the inner plexiform layer. In addition a few horizontal cells showed GABA-like immunolabeling. The present results suggest the existence of at least two pools of GABA in the hamster retina, compatible with both vesicular and carrier-mediated mechanisms of transmitter release, being the amacrine cells the main gabaergic source in this tissue.