Ionic channels in synaptic vesicles: are they involved in transmitter release?

Quarterly Journal of Experimental Physiology : an International Journal of the Physiological Society
Rami RahamimoffN Yakir

Abstract

Synaptic vesicles were isolated from the nerve terminals of Torpedo electric organ. After fusion, 'giant' vesicles were formed which could be examined by the patch clamp technique. One of the cationic channels, the P channel, shows a small preference for K+ compared to Na+ and has multiple conductance levels. Its rate of opening is voltage and calcium dependent. Fractal analysis of the P channels reveals that its behaviour does not seem to be fractal in nature. At voltages where only one conductance level is observed, fractal analysis shows at least one discrete open state and at least two discrete closed states. There are considerable similarities between the P channel and channels found in granules from the hypophysis. These channels resemble, in turn, the channels found in gap junctions. Therefore, it is not unwarranted to speculate that a gap-junction-like communication between the secretory vesicle and the extracellular space may occur during exocytosis.

Citations

Apr 1, 1995·Molecular Membrane Biology·D J Woodbury
Feb 24, 2004·The Journal of Physiology·Ronit Ahdut-HacohenRami Rahamimoff
Jun 30, 2005·Pancreatology : Official Journal of the International Association of Pancreatology (IAP) ... [et Al.]·Marie L KellyBhanu P Jena
Apr 23, 1999·Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological Sciences·R RahamimoffS G Kachalsky
Apr 11, 2006·Neuroreport·Ronit Ahdut-HacohenRami Rahamimoff
Jan 1, 1990·Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology·R RahamimoffN Yakir
Jul 3, 1999·Physiological Reviews·A MeirR Rahamimoff
Jan 1, 1997·Neuron·R Rahamimoff, J M Fernandez
Jun 15, 1992·Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications·N Hirashima, Y Kirino

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