Action potential-induced quantal secretion of catecholamines from rat adrenal chromaffin cells

Using single rat adrenal chromaffin cells, we examined the coupling of action potential activity to quantal release of catecholamines by combining perforated patch current-clamp recording with electrochemical microcarbon fiber amperometry. Chromaffin cells display steeper dependence of quantal release on action potential frequency than many nerve terminals, as well as more desynchronized release following an action potential. Also in contrast to neurons, in chromaffin cells, a major chemical secretagogue (acetylcholine) triggers potent quantal release even in the absence of electrical activity. These findings are consistent with an hypothesis that a major component of exocytosis from chromaffin cells involves diffusion of Ca2+ to secretion sites which are less well co-localized with Ca2+ channels than those in nerve terminals.