Journal
NEURON
Volume 48, Issue 1, Pages 109-121Publisher
CELL PRESS
DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2005.08.038
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- NIDCD NIH HHS [DC04450] Funding Source: Medline
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Activation of presynaptic ion channels alters the membrane potential of nerve terminals, leading to changes in transmitter release. To study the relationship between resting potential and exocytosis, we combined pre- and postsynaptic electrophysiological recordings with presynaptic Ca2+ measurements at the calyx of Held. Depolarization of the membrane potential to between -60 mV and -65 mV elicited P/Q-type Ca2+ currents of < 1 pA and increased intraterminal Ca2+ by < 100 nM. These small Ca2+ elevations were sufficient to enhance the probability of transmitter release up to 2-fold, with no effect on the readily releasable pool of vesicles. Moreover, the effects of mild depolarization on release had slow kinetics and were abolished by 1 mM intraterminal EGTA, suggesting that Ca2+ acted through a high-affinity binding site. Together, these studies suggest that control of resting potential is a powerful means for regulating synaptic function at mammalian synapses.
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