Calcium currents and exocytosis in single isolated pars intermedia cells from tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus)

The role of calcium influx through voltage-dependent calcium ion channels in the exocytotic response of single isolated pars intermedia cells from the teleost tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) was investigated by means of the whole-cell patch-clamp technique and high resolution electrical measurements. Calcium currents differed from barium currents in several ways: the peak ICa was smaller, the current-voltage relationship for calcium attained its maximum at +10 mV instead of 0 mV, and the inward calcium current inactivated more rapidly. Electron micrographs showed that pars intermedia cells possess dense, encored vesicles with an average diameter of 140 nm. Influx of calcium resulted in an increased cell membrane capacitance (Cm) after the depolarizing period, indicating a fast exocytotic response. Comparison with “late” recordings revealed the presence of a transient in Cm, presumably attributable to movement of ion channel gates. The average increase in Cm was 13.4 fF, suggesting the fusion of at least 23 vesicles with the plasma membrane during the depolarizing pulse. In contrast to calcium, barium did not support significant exocytosis. We conclude that calcium entry through voltage-dependent calcium channels rapidly leads to the exocytosis of secretory vesicles from tilapia pars intermedia cells.