cGmp synthesis in cultured cerebellar neurons is stimulated by glutamate via a Ca2+-mediated, differentiation-dependent mechanism.

Sensitivity of cyclic GMP synthesis to stimulation by excitatory amino acids, depolarizing agents, and divalent cation ionophores develops during the differentiation of cerebellar neurons in culture; in each case calcium influx appears responsible for activating guanylate cyclase. The developmental event being followed is not the appearance of either the soluble or the particulate form of the enzyme since both are present throughout. The possible role of a differentiation-dependent calcium-modulating protein is discussed.