title: Presynaptic inhibition of elicited neurotransmitter release.
abstract: Activation of presynaptic receptors for a variety of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators inhibits transmitter release at many synapses. Such presynaptic inhibition might serve as a means of adjusting synaptic strength or preventing excessive transmitter release, or both. Previous evidence showed that presynaptic modulators inhibit Ca2+ channels and activate K+ channels at neuronal somata. These modulators also inhibit spontaneous transmitter release by mechanisms downstream of Ca2+ entry. The relative contribution of the above mechanisms to the inhibition of elicited release has been debated for a long time. Recent evidence at synapses where the relationship between transmitter release and presynaptic Ca2+ influx has been well characterized suggests that inhibition of presynaptic voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels plays the major role in presynaptic inhibition of elicited neurotransmitter release. In addition, modulation of the release machinery might contribute to inhibition of elicited release.
authors.affiliation: Abteilung Zellphysiologie, Max-Planck-Institut für medizinische Forschung, Heidelberg, Germany.
authors.forename: L G
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Saggau
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism; D015220:Calcium Channels / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D017729:Presynaptic Terminals / Q000378:metabolism*; D017981:Receptors, Neurotransmitter / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D015220:Calcium Channels; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D017981:Receptors, Neurotransmitter; D002118:Calcium