Regulation of bi-directional communication between intracellular Ca2+ pools and surface Ca2+ channels remains incompletely characterized. We report Ca2+ release mediated by inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R) and ryanodine receptor (RyR) pathways is diminished under actin cytoskeleton disruption in NG 115-401L (401 L) neuronal cells, yet despite truncated Ca2+ release, Call influx was not significantly altered in these experiments. However, disruption of cortical actin networks completely abolished IP3R induced Ca2+ release, whereas RyR-mediated Ca2+ release was preserved, albeit attenuated. Moreover, cortical actin disruption completely abolished IP3R and RyR linked Ca2+ influx even though Ca2+ pool sensitivities were different. These findings suggest discrete Ca2+ store/Ca2+ channel coupling mechanisms in the IP3R and RyR pathways as revealed by the differential sensitivity to actin perturbation. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.