title: The fusogenic substance dimethyl sulfoxide enhances exocytosis in motor nerve endings.
abstract: Fusion of synaptic vesicles with the surface membrane of the nerve terminal is a key step in synaptic transmission, which normally requires the entry of calcium ions into the cell. We report that this fusion and the subsequent liberation of transmitter can also be induced by the fusogenic substances DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) and PEG (poly(ethylene glycol)). Calcium ions and DMSO exhibit a synergistic effect in the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the axolemma, resembling their action on fusion phenomena in liposomes.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Geron
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Meiri
mesh_terms: D000200:Action Potentials / Q000187:drug effects; D000818:Animals; D002118:Calcium / Q000494:pharmacology; D004121:Dimethyl Sulfoxide / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005089:Exocytosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008561:Membrane Fusion / Q000187:drug effects*; D009469:Neuromuscular Junction / Q000187:drug effects*; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000494:pharmacology; D011895:Rana ridibunda; D013572:Synaptic Vesicles / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D002118:Calcium; D004121:Dimethyl Sulfoxide