Aspartate and other inhibitors of excitatory synaptic transmission in crayfish muscle

Synaptic currents were measured in voltage clamped crayfish muscle fibers which were triggered either by stimulation of the motor axon (EPSC), or by L-gutamate (gEPSC) applied by microiontophoresis or superfusion. Among a number of analogues of glutamate, L-glutamic-acid-gamma-methyl ester, L-glutamic-acid-dimethyl ester and L-aspartate, were reasonably specific antagonists at the motor synapses, although at relatively high concentrations. Aslo, 2-amino-4-phosphono-butyric acid and morphine were effective antagonists; the action of morphine, however, seemed to be unspecific. Aspartate was further shown to decrease the size of the quantum EPSC, without affecting the probability of release of transmitter or the potential change recorded from the presynaptic nerve terminal. The results also indicate that aspartate, after longer incubations, is released as a false transmitter. The dose-response curve to short glutamate pulse is shifted by aspartate to higher glutamate concentrations, without affecting the steep slope of the dose-response curve or the saturation level. This effect can be interpreted as competitive inhibition by aspartate, with an equilibrium concentration of aspartate at the receptor of 0.3--1.5 mmol/l. In longer glutamate applications the receptor desensitizes rapidly. Aspartate reduces this desensitization in addition to its competitive inhibitory effect. Suppression of desensitization can be more effective than inhibition in long glutamate applications; in this case aspartate apparently potentiates the effects of glutamate.