Activation of excitatory amino acid receptors increases intracellular free [3H]arachidonate levels in cultured cerebellar neurons

Addition of glutamate to cultured cerebellar neurons increases both intra- and extracellular content of [3H]arachidonic acid. The increase is time- and concentration-dependent and is antagonized by Mg2+ or by specific NMDA receptor antagonists (such as a-aminoadipate or MK-801). An increase in intracellular content of [3H]arachidonic acid is also induced by kainate and the muscarinic receptor agonist, carbamylcholine. However, as opposed to glutamate, carbamylcholine does not enhance the extracellular levels of [3H]arachidonic acid