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On the Feedback Between Theory and Experiment in Elucidating the Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Neurotransmitter Release

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Abstract

This review describes the development of the molecular level Ca2+-voltage hypothesis. Theoretical considerations and feedback between theory and experiments played a key role in its development. The theory, backed by experiments, states that at fast synapses, membrane potential by means of presynaptic inhibitory autoreceptors controls initiation and termination of neurotransmitter release. A molecular kinetic scheme which depicts initiation and termination of evoked release is discussed. This scheme is able to account for both spontaneous release and evoked release. The physiological implications of this scheme are enumerated.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Statistics, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QW, UK

    Raya Khanin

  2. Department of Neurobiology, Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, 91904, Israel

    Itzchak Parnas & Hanna Parnas

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  1. Raya Khanin
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  2. Itzchak Parnas
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  3. Hanna Parnas
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Correspondence to Hanna Parnas.

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Khanin, R., Parnas, I. & Parnas, H. On the Feedback Between Theory and Experiment in Elucidating the Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Neurotransmitter Release. Bull. Math. Biol. 68, 997–1009 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11538-006-9099-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11538-006-9099-3

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