Neurotransmitter Release Mechanism
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Questions and Answers

What role does soluble α-SNAP play in synaptic transmission?

  • Binding to the SNARE complex to promote NSF binding (correct)
  • Promoting the degradation of synaptobrevin
  • Facilitating the uptake of calcium ions into the presynaptic terminal
  • Inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters
  • How does botulinum toxin affect synaptic transmission?

  • It activates postsynaptic receptors
  • It enhances the release of neurotransmitters
  • It blocks vesicle exocytosis (correct)
  • It increases calcium ion influx into the presynaptic terminal
  • What happens to the intracellular calcium concentration [$Ca^{2+}$]i after fusion completion?

  • It fluctuates randomly without any specific direction
  • It increases rapidly to promote further vesicle fusion
  • It rapidly decreases as Ca2+ is extruded and taken up by mitochondria (correct)
  • It remains constant to maintain synaptic activity
  • Which protein is responsible for the recycling endocytosis of synaptobrevin?

    <p>synaptobrevin itself</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome, what does a positive antibody study for voltage-gated calcium channels indicate?

    <p>An autoimmune response targeting calcium channels leading to muscle weakness</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main function of the N-ethylmaleimide–sensitive factor (NSF) in the SNARE complex?

    <p>To provide energy for SNARE complex disassembly</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements best describes the process of synaptic transmission?

    <p>Neurotransmitters are released into the synaptic cleft and bind to postsynaptic receptors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What initiates the process of vesicle fusion at the presynaptic terminal?

    <p>Opening of voltage-gated calcium channels leading to calcium influx</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which component of the SNARE complex is located in the presynaptic membrane?

    <p>syntaxin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    SNARE Protein Functionality

    • Composed of v-SNAREs (from vesicle membranes) and t-SNAREs (from target membranes).
    • Key v-SNARE includes Synaptobrevin.
    • Key t-SNAREs include Syntaxin-1 and SNAP-25.

    Synaptotagmin

    • Functions as a calcium sensor during exocytosis.
    • Binds Ca2+, promoting neurotransmitter release.

    Docking and Priming Stages

    • After docking near the presynaptic membrane, Sec-1/Munc18, Munc13, and RIM facilitate SNARE complex assembly.
    • Priming stage 1 involves coiling of SNARE helices, forming a stable trans-SNARE complex.
    • Priming stage 2 sees complexin insertion into the trans-SNARE complex, preventing premature fusion.

    Calcium Influx and Fusion

    • Voltage-gated Ca2+ channels allow calcium influx aligning with presynaptic active zones.
    • Ca2+-bound synaptotagmin binds acidic phospholipids, displacing complexin and initiating fusion-pore opening.

    Synaptic Transmission Sequence

    • Membrane fusion occurs when the fusion pore opens, leading to neurotransmitter release.
    • Following fusion completion, intracellular calcium levels decline rapidly through PMCA and mitochondrial uptake.

    SNARE Protein Recycling

    • Soluble α-SNAP binds to the SNARE complex and recruits NSF ATPase, leading to protein recycling.
    • Synaptobrevin undergoes recycling endocytosis, while syntaxin and SNAP-25 remain for subsequent vesicle fusion.

    Botulinum Toxin Effects

    • Botulinum toxin prevents vesicle exocytosis by occupying binding sites on SNARE proteins, inhibiting neurotransmitter release.
    • True statements regarding its mechanism do not include preventing action potentials or calcium channel opening.

    Gap Junctions in Electrical Synapses

    • Comprised of two connexons, permitting communication between adjoining neurons.

    Key Neurotransmitter in Neuromuscular Junctions

    • Acetylcholine is the primary neurotransmitter involved.

    Saxitoxin Poisoning Case

    • Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and facial numbness after consuming potentially contaminated mussels, indicating possible saxitoxin exposure.

    Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome (LEMS)

    • Positive antibody studies for voltage-gated calcium channels suggest LEMS in a patient with small cell carcinoma and muscle weakness.

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    Description

    Explore the intricate process of neurotransmitter release involving SNARE proteins and calcium signaling. This quiz covers key components like v-SNAREs, t-SNAREs, and the role of synaptotagmin in exocytosis. Test your knowledge on the sequence of events leading to synaptic transmission.

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