The release of D-[3H]aspartate from cultured cerebellar granule cells can be evoked by potassium depolarization or by superfusion with the excitatory amino acids glutamic and aspartic acids. The latter phenomenon is not mediated by N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-, kainate- or quisqualate-preferring receptors, but is stimulated by ibotenic acid. Excitatory amino acid-stimulated D-[3H]aspartate release is antagonised by L-serine-O-phosphate and riluzole. These compounds did not block potassium-stimulated D-[3H]aspartate release. This pharmacology resembles an excitatory amino acid receptor coupled to inositol phosphate (PI) turnover.