title: Synaptic transmission at retinal ribbon synapses.
abstract: The molecular organization of ribbon synapses in photoreceptors and ON bipolar cells is reviewed in relation to the process of neurotransmitter release. The interactions between ribbon synapse-associated proteins, synaptic vesicle fusion machinery and the voltage-gated calcium channels that gate transmitter release at ribbon synapses are discussed in relation to the process of synaptic vesicle exocytosis. We describe structural and mechanistic specializations that permit the ON bipolar cell to release transmitter at a much higher rate than the photoreceptor does, under in vivo conditions. We also consider the modulation of exocytosis at photoreceptor synapses, with an emphasis on the regulation of calcium channels.
authors: Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
authors: Ruth
authors: R
authors: Heidelberger
authors: Wallace B
authors: WB
authors: Thoreson
authors: Paul
authors: P
authors: Witkovsky
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015220:Calcium Channels / Q000378:metabolism; D005089:Exocytosis; D009411:Nerve Endings / Q000378:metabolism; D010786:Photoreceptor Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D012160:Retina / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013569:Synapses / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009435:Synaptic Transmission
chemical_list: D015220:Calcium Channels