Aim: The present study was aimed at investigating the effect of trans-6-(4-chlorobutyl)-5-hydroxy-4-(phenylthio)-1-tosyl-5,6-dihydropyridine-2(1H)-one (HTDP-2), a novel synthetic compound, on the release of endogenous glutamate in rat cerebrocortical nerve terminals (synaptosomes) and exploring the possible mechanism. Methods: The release of glutamate was evoked by the K+ channel blocker 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) and measured by an on-line enzyme-coupled fluorimetric assay. We also used a membrane potential-sensitive dye to assay nerve terminal excitability and depolarization, and a Ca2+ indicator, Fura-2-acetoxymethyl ester, to monitor cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]c). Results: HTDP-2 inhibited the release of glutamate evoked by 4-AP in a concentration-dependent manner. Inhibition of glutamate release by HTDP-2 was prevented by the chelating intraterminal Ca2+ ions, and by the vesicular transporter inhibitor bafilomycin A1, but was insensitive to the glutamate transporter inhibitor DL-threo-β-benzyloxyaspartate. HTDP-2 did not alter the resting synaptosomal membrane potential or 4-AP-mediated depolarization whereas it decreased the 4-AP-induced increase in [Ca2+]c. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of HTDP-2 on the evoked glutamate release was abolished by the N-, and P/Q-type Ca2+ channel blocker ω-conotoxin MVIIC, but not by the ryanodine receptor blocker dantrolene, or the mitochondrial Na+/Ca2+ exchanger blocker CGP37157. Conclusion: Based on these results, we suggest that, in rat cerebrocortical nerve terminals, HTDP-2 decreases voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel activity and, in so doing, inhibits the evoked glutamate release.