On the quantal hypothesis of neurotransmitter release: an explanation for the calcium dependence of the binomial parameters

Cornel Lustig*, Hanna Parnas, Lee A. Segel

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Scopus citations

Abstract

Results for quantal neurotransmitter release can be explained by assuming a binomial distribution with a population of N elements each with a probability p to release a quantum in a given trial. The binomial parameter N was unexpectedly observed to depend on external calcium concentration and (to a lesser extent) on the frequency of stimulation. This observation is explained here by the hypothesis that the release population is not homogeneous. It is shown that the same hypothesis can also account for other experimental findings. A possible cause for this inhomogeneity is suggested.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)205-213
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Theoretical Biology
Volume120
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 21 May 1986

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'On the quantal hypothesis of neurotransmitter release: an explanation for the calcium dependence of the binomial parameters'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this