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Non-quantal secretion of acetylcholine from motor nerve endings: Molecular mechanisms, physiological role, and regulation

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Abstract

Results of biochemical and electrophysiological experiments allowing researchers to identify non-quantal release of acetylcholine (ACh), in addition to quantal release, from motor nerve endings, are discussed in the lecture. Based on the analysis of our own data and publications of other experimenters on the dependence of non-quantal secretion on the composition of the ion milieu, sensitivity of this phenomenon to different physiologically active compounds, and peculiarities of its temperature dependence, the authors conclude that non-quantal secretion of the transmitter is an active transport process, and not a passive leakage of ACh from the cytoplasm of the nerve terminal. It is hypothesized that a high-affinity system of choline uptake can play the role of the ACh carrier through the presynaptic membrane. The involvement of non-quantal release in the control of electrogenesis in the muscle fiber and the relation between processes of quantal and non-quantal secretion of the transmitter providing adequate functioning of the nerve terminal in the resting state and in the course of long-lasting high-frequency rhythmic activity are described. Data on the ability of glutamate and nitric oxide to selectively modulate this type of neurosecretion are analyzed. The possible role of non-quantal secretion of ACh in pathogenesis of intoxications of ACh esterase is discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Kazan’ Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Kazan’ Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia

    A. I. Malomouzh & E. E. Nikol’skii

  2. Kazan’ State Medical University, Russia

    E. E. Nikol’skii

Authors
  1. A. I. Malomouzh
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  2. E. E. Nikol’skii
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Correspondence to A. I. Malomouzh or E. E. Nikol’skii.

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Neirofiziologiya/Neurophysiology, Vol. 39, Nos. 4/5, pp. 352–363, July–October, 2007.

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Malomouzh, A.I., Nikol’skii, E.E. Non-quantal secretion of acetylcholine from motor nerve endings: Molecular mechanisms, physiological role, and regulation. Neurophysiology 39, 307–317 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11062-007-0042-5

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