Activation of beta-adrenergic receptors stimulates taurine release from glial cells.

Activation of adrenergic receptors in primary cultures of astrocytes and LRM55 glial cells stimulates taurine release. Release is inhibited by the beta-adrenergic antagonists alprenolol and propanolol but not by the alpha-adrenergic antagonist phentolamine. Receptor-mediated taurine release occurs via a specific mechanism, since efflux of other amino acids and metabolites is not affected by the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol.