ABSENCE OF CALCIUM CHANNELS IN NEONATAL RAT AORTIC MYOCYTES

We have investigated whole-cell Ba2+ currents through Ca2+ channels (I -Ba) in single myocytes freshly isolated from the aortic media of neon atal (1-day-old) and adult (12-week-old) rats. In neonatal myocytes, I -Ba was undetectable even in presence of the dihydropyridine (DHP) ago nist Bay K 8644. Binding of [H-3]Nitrendipine on crude plasma membrane preparation of media confirmed the absence of DHP-receptors. By contr ast, a robust DHP-sensitive 'L-type' I-Ba was recorded in adults which was consistent with the presence of specific [H-3]Nitrendipine bindin g sites. In conclusion, neonatal aortic myocytes do not express any Ca 2+ channels. The acquisition of L-type Ca2+ channels may be related to cell differentiation and acquisition of contractility during postnata l development.