Amperometric Study of the Kinetics of Exocytosis in Mouse Adrenal Slice Chromaffin Cells: Physiological and Methodological Insights

This study was designed to examine the kinetics of neurotransmitter release using the carbon fiber amperometric technique on cells in slices of mouse adrenal glands superfused with bicarbonate phosphate buffer–based solutions. The exocytotic amperometric response evoked by electrical stimulation was significantly faster than that produced after exogenous application of ACh or K+. Splanchnic nerve–evoked neurotransmitter release was blocked by hexamethonium, indicating the involvement of ACh nicotinic receptors. We discuss the implications of our data for understanding the mechanisms underlying the vesicle fusion process.