Calcium signaling underlies much of physiology. Almost all the Ca2+ in the cytoplasm is
bound to buffers, with typically only∼ 1% being freely ionized at resting levels in most cells …

Chemical synapses are heterogeneous junctions formed between neurons that are
specialized for the conversion of electrical impulses into the exocytotic release of …

At each of the brain's vast number of synapses, the presynaptic nerve terminal, synaptic cleft,
and postsynaptic specialization form a transcellular unit to enable efficient transmission of …

Most neuronal communication relies upon the synchronous release of neurotransmitters,
which occurs through synaptic vesicle exocytosis triggered by action potential invasion of a …

The intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca 2+]) has important roles in the triggering of
neurotransmitter release and the regulation of short-term plasticity (STP). Transmitter …

The physical distance between presynaptic Ca2+ channels and the Ca2+ sensors that
trigger exocytosis of neurotransmitter-containing vesicles is a key determinant of the …

Cortical synapses have structural, molecular and functional heterogeneity; our knowledge
regarding the relationship between their ultrastructural and functional parameters is still …

At presynaptic active zones, neurotransmitter release is initiated by the opening of voltage-
gated Ca 2+ channels close to docked vesicles. The mechanisms that enrich Ca 2+ …

Synaptic efficacy and precision are influenced by the coupling of voltage-gated Ca 2+
channels (VGCCs) to vesicles. But because the topography of VGCCs and their proximity to …

The concept of a readily releasable pool (RRP) of synaptic vesicles has been used
extensively for the analysis of neurotransmitter release. Traditionally the properties of …