Techniques: Applications of the nerve-bouton preparation in neuropharmacology

Single mammalian neurons can be isolated with adherent functional synaptic terminals using an enzyme-free, mechanical dissociation procedure. This allows investigations of the effects of presynaptic modulators of synaptic transmission with unprecedented ease and accuracy. Furthermore, single presynaptic terminals and boutons can be visualized using fluorescent markers and can also be focally stimulated with electrical pulses. In this article, the isolated-nerve-adherent-synaptic-bouton preparation and some examples of its general properties and uses are discussed.