Prostaglandin E1 inhibits calcium-dependent potentials in mammalian sympathetic neurons.

Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1, 10-500 nM) reversibly depressed 3 types of calcium-dependent potentials associated with the spike potential of rabbit superior cervical ganglion cells, namely, the spike after-hyperpolarization, the post-tetanic hyperpolarization, and the Ca2+ spike evoked in a Na+-free/high Ca2+ solution. The results suggest that PGE1 reduces Ca conductance and that this action may underlie its inhibitory action on transmitter release at adrenergic and cholinergic nerve terminals.