Calcium release from InsP3-sensitive internal stores initiates action potential in Chara.

Neomycin and U73122 are known to suppress inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) production by inhibition of phospholipase C. We studied the effects of these inhibitors on the excitatory currents, Iex, in Chara corallina under voltage-clamp conditions. Computer simulations of the experimental effects by a minimum model for the excitatory reaction pathway allow the assignment of the inhibitory effects to one specific reaction step, i.e. the release of Ca2+ from InsP3-sensitive internal stores. In contrast, the inhibitory effect of La3+ on Iex suggests inactivation of Cl- channels. Furthermore, ryanodine-sensitive Ca2+ stores seem to be irrelevant for electrical excitation in Chara.