In Vitro Release of Endogenous β‐ Alanine, GABA, and Glutamate, and Electrophysiological Effect of β‐Alanine in Pigeon Optic Tectum

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Abstract

<jats:p><jats:bold>Abstract: </jats:bold> The efflux of 20 amino acids, induced by either high K<jats:sup>+</jats:sup> concentration or veratrine, was determined in pigeon tectal slices. Ca<jats:sup>2+</jats:sup>‐dependent, K<jats:sup>+</jats:sup>‐induced release of <jats:italic>β</jats:italic>‐alanine, <jats:italic>γ</jats:italic>‐aminobutyric acid (GABA), and glutamate was observed. Veratrine caused release of the same amino acids plus glycine in a tetrodotoxin‐sensitive manner. <jats:italic>β</jats:italic>‐Alanine had a strong inhibitory effect on the activity of tectal neurons which was blocked by strychnine but not by bicuculline. The results indicated a transmitter function for <jats:italic>β</jats:italic>‐alanine in the optic tectum, and were consistent with the previously proposed transmitter role of GABA and glutamate in this structure.</jats:p>

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