Storage and release of acetylcholine by a clonal cell line.

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Abstract
The nerve cell line PC12 [rat], in its morphologically undifferentiated state, synthesized, stored and secreted catecholamines and acetylcholine. At least 60% of the basal level of neurotransmitter release was due to a Ca2+-dependent mechanism, and the rate of secretion was enhanced by increasing external K+. A minimum of 80% of the intracellular acetylcholine and catecholamines were stored in particulate structures. The storage site for acetylcholine was dense core vesicles that could be distinguished from those containing catecholamines on the basis of vesicle density on sucrose gradients, vesicle size and reserpine sensitivity. These results were discussed in relation to the early stages of synapse formation in cell culture.