Organic calcium channel blockers enhance [3H]purine release from rat brain cortical synaptosomes

The release of [3H]purines was investigated in a crude mitochondrial fraction (P2 fraction) from rat brain cortex pre-loaded with [3H]adenosine for 30 sec at 37 degrees C in vitro. Potassium, veratridine and glutamate were used as depolarizing agents to evoke the release of [3H]purines. Ca2+ removal, the addition of EGTA, and treatment with organic or inorganic Ca2+ antagonists did not inhibit [3H]purine release in this preparation. On the other hand, Ca2+ removal and the addition of EGTA greatly enhanced 3H-purine release induced by glutamate. D-600 and diltiazem enhanced K+-evoked [3H]purine release, and nifedipine increased veratridine evoked [3H]purine release indicating that either these Ca2+ antagonists have different sites of action, or that K+ and veratridine may release [3H]purine from different metabolic pools. Organic Ca2+ antagonists failed to enhance the [3H]purine release evoked by glutamate, further supporting the notion that various depolarizing agents may release [3H]purines from different cellular compartments.