Several lines of evidence suggest that L-type Ca :~ channels (I ,4-dihydropyridin¢ receptors) are modulated by GTP-binding proteins. We have further examined this interaction by measuring the effect of 1,4-dihydropyridlnes on GTPase activity in brain membranes. Dihydropyridine agonists significantly increased GTPase, reflected by an increase in the maximal rate of GTP hydrolysis, without affecting the affinity for GTP or the binding ofa non-hydrolysable analogue of GTP.