title: Calcium binding sites of hamster parasympathetic neurons.
abstract: Sites of Ca localization in hamster submandibular ganglion cells have been studied by electron microscopy using the technique of Oschman et al. [11]. Electron-dense deposits, which we assume to contain Ca, are found: (i) on axonal plasma membranes; (ii) on the plasma membranes of neuron soma and its processes; (iii) on the membrane of clear vesicles in the nerve terminal; and (iv) in the matrix of mitochondria. Intracellularly injected Ca accumulates in the mitochondria. Caffeine reduces the electron-dense deposits seen in mitochondria. Caffeine induces a swelling of Golgi apparatus when applied with CaCl2, but this swelling is not observed without CaCl2. These results are discussed in the light of Ca-activated K-conductance increases, which induce 4 types of membrane potential changes [18, 19].
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001370:Axonal Transport / Q000187:drug effects; D002110:Caffeine / Q000494:pharmacology; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism*; D006224:Cricetinae; D004577:Electron Probe Microanalysis; D005726:Ganglia, Parasympathetic / Q000378:metabolism; D007473:Ion Channels / Q000378:metabolism*; D008564:Membrane Potentials / Q000187:drug effects; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000378:metabolism; D010275:Parasympathetic Nervous System / Q000378:metabolism*; D013570:Synaptic Membranes / Q000378:metabolism; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D007473:Ion Channels; D002110:Caffeine; D002118:Calcium