The involvement of different types of voltage-dependent calcium channels (VDCC) in the stimulatory action of GnRH (in comparison with K+) on maturational gonadotropin (GtH) release was investigated using superfused carp pituitary cells. The action of these 2 stimulants was not modified either by D600 or nifedipine (drugs blocking L-type of VDCC). Cadmium (Cd2+), which blocks all types of VDCC indifferently, provoked a dose-dependent stimulation of GtH secretion. Cd2+ action was not altered by addition of sGnRH in any of the doses. Similar results were obtained using K+ as a secretagogue, but only the highest dose of Cd2+ (200 mumol/l) was able to completely block K+ action. Low doses (0.1 and 1 mumol/l) of the L-type VDCC activator BAY-K8644 did not change basal GtH secretion and had no effect on sGnRH-stimulated GtH secretion. Surprisingly, doses (10 mumol/l and higher) of BAY-K8644 evoked dose-dependent inhibition of GtH secretion. On the other hand, a higher concentration (20 mumol/l) of nifedipine provoked a stimulation of GtH release. Our results indicate that the stimulatory action of GnRH and K+ involves activation of a certain type of cadmium-sensitive VDCC (probably T- or N-type VDCC) whereas dihydropyridine and diphenylalkylamine sensitive VDCC (L-type VDCC) does not participate in this phenomenon. The inhibitory action of BAY-K8644 and, on the other hand, the stimulatory action of nifedipine indicate that L-type VDCC probably play a role in other physiological pathways regulating GtH release in carp.