In Vitro Release of Endogenous β‐ Alanine, GABA, and Glutamate, and Electrophysiological Effect of β‐Alanine in Pigeon Optic Tectum

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Abstract
The efflux of 20 amino acids, induced by either high K+ concentration or veratrine, was determined in pigeon tectal slices. Ca2+‐dependent, K+‐induced release of β‐alanine, γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA), and glutamate was observed. Veratrine caused release of the same amino acids plus glycine in a tetrodotoxin‐sensitive manner. β‐Alanine had a strong inhibitory effect on the activity of tectal neurons which was blocked by strychnine but not by bicuculline. The results indicated a transmitter function for β‐alanine in the optic tectum, and were consistent with the previously proposed transmitter role of GABA and glutamate in this structure.