FACTORS AFFECTING THE SPONTANEOUS RELEASE OF [3H]GLYCINE FROM RABBIT RETINA

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Abstract
The efflux of [3H]glycine was studied in superfused rabbit retina in the presence of various amino acids, ouabain, or high K+ or low Ca2+ concentrations in the superfusion medium. Unlabeled glycine evoked an accelerated efflux as did the structurally similar neutral .alpha.-amion acids. .beta.-Alanine and GABA were ineffective. There was a homoexchange of glycine, and a heteroexchange with the neutral .alpha.-amino acids. A low concentration of glutamic acid (10-5 M) will release glycine from the retina. This is an ATPase dependent process which is partially blocked by a high Mg2+/Ca2+ ratio and which may be related to a retinal transmitter function of glutamic acid. A high concentration of K+ or the presence of ouabain in the superfusing medium greatly increases the rate at which glycine is lost from the retina.