The magnitude and significance of Ca2+ domains for release of neurotransmitter

S. Aharon*, H. Parnas, I. Parnas

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

26 Scopus citations

Abstract

It is now widely accepted that localized high concentrations of Ca2+ (Ca2+ domains) play a major role in controlling the time course of neurotransmitter release. In the present work we calculate the magnitude and the time course of Ca2+ domains that evolve in the vicinity of a Ca2+ channel and an adjacent release site. In the calculations we consider a accurately dimensioned Ca2+ channel. Moreover, the Ca2+ current is continuously adjusted with regard to the accumulated intracellular Ca2+ and, in addition, endogenous buffers are considered. The calculations, carried out by the software FIDAP, based on finite element method, show that the Ca2+ concentrations achieved near the release sites are significantly lower than claimed by other investigators. Furthermore, we present arguments indicating that the Ca2+ domains, regardless of their magnitude, do not play a role in controlling the time course of release of neurotransmitter.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1095-1119
Number of pages25
JournalBulletin of Mathematical Biology
Volume56
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1994

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The magnitude and significance of Ca2+ domains for release of neurotransmitter'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this