Voltage-sensitive calcium currents are acutely increased by nerve growth factor in PC12 cells

Whole cell calcium currents were recorded from PC12 cells with the perforat ed patch technique. Currents were evoked by step depolarization from a hold ing potential of -90 mV. Nerve growth factor (NGF) increased calcium curren ts through L-type calcium channels by >75% within 3-5 min. This increase wa s inhibited by K-252a, by nifedipine, and by inhibition or down-regulation of kinase C. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) also increased calciu m current, but to a smaller extent. Thus increases in calcium current can b e linked to activation of either the high- or the low-affinity nerve growth factor receptor. Increases in presynaptic calcium uptake appear to be a cr ucial element in the short-term actions of the neurotrophins on neurotransm itter release leading to long-term potentiation. Also, the control of calci um uptake is likely to be an important factor in the long-term actions of t he neurotrophins on neuronal survival and neuronal protection. The present data indicate that the PC12 cell may be a useful model for studying the eff ect of the neurotrophins on calcium uptake.