Vitamin E regulates acetylcholine receptor function of molluscan neurons.

1. Intracellular recordings were made from identified LP11, RBc4, D1 and E4 neurons in perioesophageal ganglionic ring with buccal ganglia of the mollusc Helix pomatia. 2. The modulations of acetylcholine (ACh)-induced current by vitamin E in these neurons were investigated using two-microelectrode intracellular recording and voltage-clamp techniques. 3. ACh receptors function on LP11 and RBc4 neurons was strongly regulated by intracellular calcium ions. For these ACh receptors application of 10(-6) to 10(-4) M vitamin E and calcium influx both induced an enhancement of the ACh-induced chloride current. Application of 10(-5) to 5.10(-5) M arachidonic acid on the same identified LP11 and RBc4 neurons was shown to evoke a decrease of the ACh-induced chloride current. 4. The elevation of calcium levels into D1 and E4 neurons induced a faint decrease of ACh-induced chloride current, but vitamin E and arachidonic acid were ineffective. 5. The calmodulin inhibitor, chloropromazine (6.10(-5) M), strongly inhibited the enhancing effect of calcium influx on ACh-induced chloride current in LP11 and RBc4 neurons, but it had a weak influence on the effect of vitamin E. 6. The effect of vitamin E on surface distribution of functional ACh receptors in LP11 and RBc4 neurons was found. 7. Application of 10(-4) to 10(-6) M vitamin E (DL-alpha-tocopherol) triggered mechanisms, which after a 5 to 45-min period lead to appearance of functional ACh receptors on the parts of neuronal soma, which were further from the axon. 8. Arachidonic acid (vitamin F) evoked a disappearance of functional ACh receptors, which were activated by vitamin E.