Storage and Release of Acetylcholine by a Clonal Cell Line

• Published in: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences - PNAS Vol. 74; no. 11; pp. 5184 - 5188
• Main Authors: Schubert, D., Klier, F. G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 01-11-1977; National Acad Sciences
• Subjects: Acetylcholine - metabolism; Catecholamines; Catecholamines - metabolism; Cell Line; Cell lines; Cholinergic receptors; Chromogranins - metabolism; Clone Cells - metabolism; Dopamine beta-Hydroxylase - metabolism; Neurons; Neurotransmitters; Norepinephrine; PC12 cells; Potassium; Synapses; Transmitters
• ISSN: 0027-8424; 1091-6490
• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.74.11.5184

The nerve cell line PC12, in its morphologically undifferentiated state, synthesizes, stores, and secretes catecholamines and acetylcholine. At least 60% of the basal level of neurotransmitter release is due to a calcium-dependent mechanism, and the rate of secretion is enhanced by increasing external potassium. A minimum of 80% of the intracellular acetylcholine and catecholamines are stored in particulate structures. The storage site for acetylcholine is dense core vesicles that can be distinguished from those containing catecholamines on the basis of vesicle density on sucrose gradients, vesicle size, and reserpine sensitivity. These results are discussed in relation to what are thought to be the early stages of synapse formation in cell culture.