Adenosine triphosphate-evoked catecholamine release in chromatin granules. Osmotic lysis as a consequence of proton...

Chromaffin granules suspended in C1-containing media release catecholamine and protein when ATP is added. This phenomenon is inhibited in hyperosmotic media and in the presence of uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation. Release requires a permeant anion in the medium, but is independent of the cation. The release process appears to be driven by an inwardly directed proton-translocating adenosine triphosphatase. The resulting proton-anion influx causes osmotic lysis of the chromaffin granules.