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Full-Text Articles in Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience
Mechanisms Of Calcium-Dependent Neurotransmission In Photoreceptors, Justin J. Grassmeyer
Mechanisms Of Calcium-Dependent Neurotransmission In Photoreceptors, Justin J. Grassmeyer
Theses & Dissertations
Rod and cone photoreceptors initiate vision by transforming light into graded membrane voltage changes that in turn dictate the rate of continuous Ca2+-dependent neurotransmission to postsynaptic neurons. Continuous release relies on synaptic ribbons at photoreceptor active zones, which organize exocytotic proteins and deliver vesicles to release sites near voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. Individual cones possess multiple ribbon synapses at which they contact postsynaptic neurons. We examined heterogeneity in signaling at individual ribbon synapses in salamander cones by measuring the voltage dependence of Ca2+ currents (ICa) and Ca2+ influx at individual ribbon release sites. Ca …