Latrotoxin-like properties of a protein from brain.

In bovine brain cortex cytoplasm we have identified a soluble protein (L-protein) of M(r) approximately 90 kDa interacting with polyclonal antibodies to alpha-latrotoxin. The L-protein forms potential-dependent and cation-selective ion channels in BLM, which are blocked by Cd2+. The fusogenic activity of the L-protein was demonstrated on liposomes. We have arrived at the conclusion that the action mechanisms of the L-protein and alpha-latrotoxin are similar.