Somatostatin and cortical neurons in cell culture.

Rat cortical neurons in culture have morphological, physiological and biochemical properties similar to their counterparts in situ. Neuropeptides are synthesized by these cultures and can in situ. Neuropeptides are synthesized by these cultures and can be localized to individual neurons. One such peptide, somatostatin, is produced in relatively large amounts, exists in a discrete neuronal population, and is released in the culture medium. Somatostatin has no detectable effect on membrane potential, resistance, or action potential of cells to which it is applied but does not appear to increase incoming spontaneous postsynaptic potentials in some neurons. Somatostatin potentiates the direct membrane effects of glutamate and aspartate. Somatostatin may play a role as a neuromodulator in mammalian cerebral cortex by potentiating the effects of excitatory neurotransmitter agents.