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Calcium dependence of the rate of exocytosis in a synaptic terminal

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Abstract

RAPID calcium-dependent exocytosis underlies neurotransmitter release from nerve terminals. Despite the fundamental importance of this process, neither the relationship between presynaptic intra-cellular calcium ion concentration ([Ca2+]i) and rate of exocytosis, nor the maximal rate of secretion is known quantitatively. To provide this information, we have used flash photolysis of caged Ca2+ to elevate [Ca2+]i rapidly and uniformly in synaptic terminals, while measuring membrane capacitance as an index of exocytosis and monitoring [Ca2+]i with a Ca2+-indicator dye. When [Ca2+]i was abruptly increased to >10 µM, capacitance rose at a rate that increased steeply with [Ca2+]i. The steepness suggested that at least four calcium ions must bind to activate synaptic vesicle fusion. Half-saturation was at 194 µM, and the maximal rate constant was 2,000–3,000 s–1. A given synaptic vesicle can exocytose with high probability within a few hundred microseconds, if [Ca2+]i rises above lOOµM. These properties provide for the extremely rapid signalling required for neuronal communication.

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Author notes

  1. Gary Matthews: Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, State University of New York, Stony Brook, New York 11794-5230, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Abteilung Membranbiophysik, Max-Planck-lnstitut für biophysikalische Chemie, Am Faβberg, 37077, Göttingen, Germany

    Ruth Heidelberger, Christian Heinemann, Erwin Neher & Gary Matthews

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  1. Ruth Heidelberger
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  2. Christian Heinemann
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  3. Erwin Neher
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  4. Gary Matthews
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Heidelberger, R., Heinemann, C., Neher, E. et al. Calcium dependence of the rate of exocytosis in a synaptic terminal. Nature 371, 513–515 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1038/371513a0

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