The role of cGMP in the extinction of the reactions of identified neurons of the edible snail in response to acetylcholine.

The possible role of cGMP in the regulation of the extinction of the reactions of the RPa4, RPa3, and LPa3 neurons of the edible snail in response to acetylcholine (ACh), applied rhythmically to the soma of the neuron by means of microiontophoresis, has been investigated. It was demonstrated that activators of guanylate cyclase which increased the level of cGMP in the cell, namely, sodium nitroprusside and sodium azide (5.10(-4)-10(-3) mole/liter), when applied intracellularly, intensify the extinction of inward transmembrane current and of depolarization of the membrane in response to ACh. The hypothesis of the participation of cGMP-dependent phosphorylation of membrane proteins in the regulation of the rate of development, depth, and duration of short-lived plasticity of the cholinoreceptors of the neuron is proposed.