Merkel Cells as Putative Regulatory Cells in Skin Disorders: An In Vitro Study
Figure 8
Ca2+ and Ach decreased the release of VIP.
Effect of Ach and Ca2+ on VIP release expressed in ng/well. MCs were cultured in Ca2+-free MEME and then exposed to Ach (100 µM), Ca2+ (1 mM), or both. In the absence of Ca2+, the addition of Ach failed to significantly decrease VIP exocytosis (P>0.1). A lower amount of VIP release was observed in the presence of Ca2+ (1 mM). Finally, the inhibitory effect of Ach on VIP release required extracellular Ca2+ (P≤0.025). These results are consistent with inhibition via Ca2+ channels, probably via muscarinic M2 or M4 Ach receptors.