Neurotransmission

28 Neurotransmission





Questions



image How are messages passed between nerve cells?

image How is electrical activity coupled to neurotransmitter release?

image How is neurotransmitter recognition translated into a postsynaptic response?

image What is the difference between fast and slow neurotransmission?


Fast electrical transmission


The passage of an electrical signal between cells can only occur when two cells are tightly physically coupled by gap junctions (e.g. in cardiac and smooth muscles).



Chemical (synaptic) transmission


Chemical transmission of information between excitable cells occurs at specialized junctions called synapses. A chemical transmitter is released from the presynaptic structure of the signalling cell in response to depolarization and the influx of Ca2+ (Fig. 3.28.1). The transmitter molecule diffuses across the synaptic cleft and binds to a specific receptor molecule on the postsynaptic cell, where it elicits a response (Fig. 3.28.2).


image

Fig. 3.28.1 Mechanisms of neurotransmitter synthesis and release.


image

Fig. 3.28.2 Action of neurotransmitters.



Neurotransmitter release

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Jun 18, 2016 | Posted by in BIOCHEMISTRY | Comments Off on Neurotransmission

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