Novel calcium channels used for lanthanide ion-induced adrenal catecholamine release

Catecholamine release by La3+, Ce3+, Pr3+, or Nd3+ from isolated bovine adrenals requires the presence of calcium in the perfusing medium. Calcium dependent, La3+-induced adrenal catecholamine release is enhanced at low pH and only slightly inhibited by pretreatment with the calcium channel blocker, verapamil. Since calcium channels in adrenal medulla used by lanthanides are not effectively blocked by hydrogen ions or by verapamil, they must be different from the calcium channels normally opened by the physiological neuromediator, acetylcholine.