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Regulation of Ion Channel Distribution at Synapses

Regulation of Ion Channel Distribution at Synapses Synapses are regions of highly specialized contact between two cells. The clustered distribution of both ligand·gated and voltage· activated ion chan· nels is one of the best known examples of molecular specialization in synaptic membranes. At the neuromuscular junction, ion channel clus­ tering is responsible for rapid signal transmission and ensures that the postsynaptic response initiates a propagated action potential. At some excitatory synapses between neurons, potentiation of synaptic strength depends, in part, on coclustering of transmitter receptors. Thus, regulation of the ion channel distribution is not only important in signal transmission, but possibly also in synaptic plasticity. The mechanisms by which ion channels are anchored at synaptic sites, and the way in which this process is regulated by the nerve, are best understood at the neuromuscular junction. This review focuses on the neuromuscular junction, with discussions of both pre· and postsynaptic elements. Studies of the mechanisms of clustering in the central nervous system (CNS) are less well advanced. Therefore, three of the best charac­ terized examples are considered. Although ion channels are clustered in other parts of the neuron (e.g. nodes of Ranvier, axon hillock), this review is restricted to ion channel distribution at the synapse. THE http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Annual Review of Neuroscience Annual Reviews

Regulation of Ion Channel Distribution at Synapses

Annual Review of Neuroscience , Volume 16 (1) – Mar 1, 1993

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References (72)

Publisher
Annual Reviews
Copyright
Copyright 1993 Annual Reviews. All rights reserved
Subject
Review Articles
ISSN
0147-006X
eISSN
1545-4126
DOI
10.1146/annurev.ne.16.030193.002023
pmid
7681636
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Synapses are regions of highly specialized contact between two cells. The clustered distribution of both ligand·gated and voltage· activated ion chan· nels is one of the best known examples of molecular specialization in synaptic membranes. At the neuromuscular junction, ion channel clus­ tering is responsible for rapid signal transmission and ensures that the postsynaptic response initiates a propagated action potential. At some excitatory synapses between neurons, potentiation of synaptic strength depends, in part, on coclustering of transmitter receptors. Thus, regulation of the ion channel distribution is not only important in signal transmission, but possibly also in synaptic plasticity. The mechanisms by which ion channels are anchored at synaptic sites, and the way in which this process is regulated by the nerve, are best understood at the neuromuscular junction. This review focuses on the neuromuscular junction, with discussions of both pre· and postsynaptic elements. Studies of the mechanisms of clustering in the central nervous system (CNS) are less well advanced. Therefore, three of the best charac­ terized examples are considered. Although ion channels are clustered in other parts of the neuron (e.g. nodes of Ranvier, axon hillock), this review is restricted to ion channel distribution at the synapse. THE

Journal

Annual Review of NeuroscienceAnnual Reviews

Published: Mar 1, 1993

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