Tetanus toxin blocks Ca spikes in neuroblastoma clone N1E-115 cells

The effect of tetanus toxin on the Ca spike of the action potential evoked in neuroblastoma clone N1E-115 cells by constant current stimulation in Na+-free medium containing various concentrations of Ca2+(1.8-80 mM) was examined by intracellular recordings. Tetanus toxin (more than 140 ng/ml) blocked the Ca spikes. The resting membrane potentials and membrane input resistances of tetanus toxin-treated cells were similar to those of untreated cells. The blocking effect of tetanus toxin was evident in medium containing Ca2+ at concentrations of more than 30 mM. The difference between the peak levels of the action potentials of toxin-treated and untreated cells was statistically significant at Ca2+ concentrations of 7.2 mM and more.