Effects of inorganic potassium channel blockers on calcium requirement of transmission in a sympathetic ganglion.

The effects of the alkali metal ions cesium (Cs+) and rubidium (Rb+) and alkaline earth metal ions barium (Ba2+) and strontium (Sr2+) on ganglionic transmission in various calcium (Ca2+) concentrations were investigated in rat isolated superior cervical ganglia. Cesium (1 and 2 mM) moderately supported transmission in low Ca2+ and potentiated the compound action potential (CAP) at high Ca2+ concentration. Higher concentrations of Cs+ caused depression of CAP especially at lower Ca2+ concentration. Cesium (1-4 mM) induced large spontaneous rhythmic spikes or burst of spikes. At 4 mM, Rb+ potentiated CAP at all Ca2+ concentrations. As with Cs+, higher concentrations of Rb+ inhibited CAP except at large Ca2+ concentrations. Barium (1-6 mM) effectively enhanced transmission at all Ca2+ concentrations. Strontium enhanced transmission only at very low Ca2+ concentrations. No enhancement was seen with Sr2+ in the presence of normal or higher Ca2+. The results indicate that Cs+ and Rb+ may antagonize Ca2+ effects at release sites while allowing more Ca2+ influx into the nerve terminal as a result of K+ channel blockade. Barium and to a lesser extent Sr2+ may substitute for Ca2+ in the process of transmitter release in the superior cervical ganglia of rats.