Endogenous amino acid release from rat cerebellum in vitro.

The release of six endogenous amino acids from superfused rat cerebellar slices was investigated. Only L-glutamate, and GABA exhibited a calcium-dependent, potassium-stimulated release. Glutamine release was significantly inhibited during the stimulation period. Experiments were also performed with slices from cerebella which had received previously, injections of 2 micrograms kainic acid. This procedure failed to modify the release of any amino acid. At this time point (24 h), cell bodies of inhibitory neurons utilising GABA as their transmitter, have largely been destroyed; thus, the lack of effect on GABA release in particular, may indicate that the mechanisms for transmitter release from terminals are still operative under these conditions.