Neuromuscular synapse: stochastic properties of spontaneous release of transmitter

Science. 1970 Nov 6;170(3958):648-9. doi: 10.1126/science.170.3958.648.

Abstract

The spontaneous quantal release of transmitter from the motor nerve endings is a random process which follows the Poisson theorem; the liberation of each quantum is independent of the release of previous quanta. Increase in the extracellular calcium concentration produces a statistical interdependence in the release of the spontaneously appearing packages.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anura
  • Biometry
  • Calcium / physiology
  • Cytoplasmic Granules*
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Membrane Potentials*
  • Nerve Endings / physiology*
  • Neuromuscular Junction / physiology*
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / metabolism*
  • Osmolar Concentration
  • Probability*
  • Synapses / physiology*
  • Synaptic Vesicles

Substances

  • Neurotransmitter Agents
  • Calcium