Mechanisms of tonic, graded release: lessons from the vertebrate photoreceptor

摘要: The release of neurotransmitter via exocytosis is a highly conserved, fundamental feature nervous system function. At conventional synapses, occurs as brief burst triggered by an action potential. By contrast, at the first synapse vertebrate visual pathway, not only calcium-dependent typically graded with respect to presynaptic membrane potential, but can be maintained throughout duration sustained stimulus. specializations that provide for and are well-defined. However, recent advances in our understanding basic synaptic vesicle dynamics calcium sensitivity process these other central, glutamatergic neurons have shed some light on photoreceptor's extraordinary abilities.