METABOLISME DU CALCIUM ET LIBERATION DE L'ACETYLCHOLINE DANS L'ORGANE ELECTRIQUE DE LA TORPILLE

Abstract— Calcium metabolism was studied in the electric organ of Torpedo , at rest and after electrical stimulation, in vivo and in vitro , by measuring total calcium and using ⁴⁵Ca. Seasonal variations in the calcium metabolism were observed, summer animals being richer in the ion than winter ones. When the tissue was incubated in high calcium concentrations, complete exchange was obtained between cellular calcium and that of the external medium. In the presence of low concentrations, the tissue retained its calcium which, in this case, was poorly exchanged. Stimulation was accompanied by a net increase of cellular calcium and by acceleration of its exchange with that of extracellular space. This entry of calcium seems to involve mainly the presynaptic nerve endings, since it is also observed when transmission was blocked by curare which acts at the level of the postsynaptic electroplaques. Calcium may also influence the intracellular repartition of the transmitter. As a matter of fact, the presynaptic entry of calcium is accompanied by diminution of 'bound' ACh (vesicular ACh). When the tissue was incubated in a solution devoid of calcium, especially if EDTA was added, the electrical response disappeared; then 'free' ACh which is the immediately available compartment, decreased but its turnover rose. 'Bound' and 'free' ACh were also measured under various conditions of homogenization and the results discussed. It is concluded that extracellular calcium is required for the maintenance of the immediately available compartment of ACh.