Abstract

The properties of synaptic transmission were first elucidated at the neuromuscular junction. More recent work has examined transmission at synapses within the brain. Here we review the remarkable progress in understanding the biophysical and molecular basis of the sequential steps in this process. These steps include the elevation of Ca²⁺ in microdomains of the presynaptic terminal, the diffusion of transmitter through the fusion pore into the synaptic cleft and the activation of postsynaptic receptors. The results give insight into the factors that control the precision of quantal transmission and provide a framework for understanding synaptic plasticity.

Author affiliations

1. Brandeis University, Department of Biology, MS 008, 415 South Street, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454-9110, USA.
2. Duke University, Department of Neurobiology, Box 3209, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA.
3. Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Molecular & Cellular Physiology, Beckman Center, Room B100, 279 Campus Drive, Stanford, California 94305-5345, USA.

Correspondence to: John E. Lisman¹ Email: lisman@brandeis.edu

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