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Parallel computation enables precise description of Ca2+ distribution in nerve terminals

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Abstract

Parallel computation employing a domain decomposition method was used to calculate precisely without approximations the spatio-temporal distribution of Ca2+ in nerve terminals. The results showed, contrary to expectations, that for equal admitted Ca2+ currents at low (one channel open) and high (four channels open) depolarization, the average Ca2+ concentration at the release area is higher at the low depolarization. These calculations provide additional support for the Ca2+-voltage hypothesis for neurotransmitter release.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurobiology and the Otto Loewi Center for Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, Hebrew University, Givat Ram, Jerusalem, Israel

    S. Aharon & H. Parnas

  2. Institute of Computer Sciences, Bertold Badler Chair of Computer Science, Hebrew University, Givat Ram, Jerusalem, Israel

    M. Bercovier

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  1. S. Aharon
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  2. M. Bercovier
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  3. H. Parnas
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Correspondence to S. Aharon.

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Aharon, S., Bercovier, M. & Parnas, H. Parallel computation enables precise description of Ca2+ distribution in nerve terminals. Bltn Mathcal Biology 58, 1075–1097 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02458384

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02458384

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