Formation of glutamatergic synapses entails development of "silent" immature contacts into mature functional synapses. To determine how this transformation occurs, we investigated the development of neurotransmission at single synapses in vitro. Maturation of presynaptic function, assayed with endocytotic markers, followed accumulation of synapsin I. During this period, synaptic transmission was primarily mediated by activation of NMDA receptors, suggesting that most synapses were functionally silent. However, local glutamate application to silent synapses indicated that these synapses contained functional AMPA receptors, suggesting a possible presynaptic locus for silent transmission. Interference with presynaptic vesicle fusion by exposure to tetanus toxin reverted functional to silent transmission, implicating SNARE-mediated fusion as a determinant of the ratio of NMDA:AMPA receptor activation. This work reveals that functional maturation of synaptic transmission involves transformation of presynaptic silent secretion into mature synaptic transmitter release.
Pubmed ID: 11239436 RIS Download
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Organization which manufactures bacteria for research and clinical investigations. List Biological Laboratories cultivates native and recombinant microorganisms and purifies, formulates, and lyopholizes enzyme products, virulence factors, and microbial cell wall components. Products include antibodies, microbial toxins, peptides, and virulence factors. Services include live biotherapeutics for clinical trials, contracting research capabilities, GMP regulatory support, lyopholization services and support, and toxin compliance.
View all literature mentionsOrganization which manufactures bacteria for research and clinical investigations. List Biological Laboratories cultivates native and recombinant microorganisms and purifies, formulates, and lyopholizes enzyme products, virulence factors, and microbial cell wall components. Products include antibodies, microbial toxins, peptides, and virulence factors. Services include live biotherapeutics for clinical trials, contracting research capabilities, GMP regulatory support, lyopholization services and support, and toxin compliance.
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