Changes in ATP content in cerebellar granule cells during hyperstimulation of glutamate receptors: possible role of NO and nitrite ions.

In primary 7-8-day culture of cerebellar granule cells, glutamate exposure (100 microM, 10-240 min) induced a 60-30% drop in ATP level; during the postglutamate period ATP level completely recovered after 24 h. Inhibition of NO-synthase with L-NAME during glutamate application resulted in less pronounced decrease in ATP level immediately after its application and had no effect on ATP recovery after 24 h. It was found that hyperstimulation of glutamate receptors elevates concentration of NO products (nitrites and nitrates), while NO2(-) ions can increase ATP content.