Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
6
pubmed:dateCreated
1998-4-13
pubmed:abstractText
Two modes of vesicular release of transmitter occur at a synapse: spontaneous release in the absence of a stimulus and evoked release that is triggered by Ca2+ influx. These modes often have been presumed to represent the same exocytotic apparatus functioning at different rates in different Ca2+ concentrations. To investigate the mechanism of transmitter release, we have examined the role of synaptobrevin/VAMP, a protein involved in vesicular docking and/or fusion. We generated a series of mutations, including null mutations, in neuronal-synaptobrevin (n-syb), the neuronally expressed synaptobrevin gene in Drosophila. Mutant embryos completely lacking n-syb form morphologically normal neuromuscular junctions. Electrophysiological recordings from the neuromuscular junction of these mutants reveal that the excitatory synaptic current evoked by stimulation of the motor neuron is abolished entirely. However, spontaneous release of quanta from these terminals persists, although its rate is reduced by 75%. Thus, at least a portion of the spontaneous "minis" that are seen at the synapse can be generated by a protein complex that is distinct from that required for an evoked synaptic response.
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:chemical
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Mar
pubmed:issn
0270-6474
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:day
15
pubmed:volume
18
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
2028-39
pubmed:dateRevised
2006-11-15
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
1998
pubmed:articleTitle
Distinct requirements for evoked and spontaneous release of neurotransmitter are revealed by mutations in the Drosophila gene neuronal-synaptobrevin.
pubmed:affiliation
Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Beckman Center, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, California 94305, USA.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S., Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S., Review, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't