Diffusion cannot govern the discharge of neurotransmitter in fast synapses

Biophys J. 1994 Sep;67(3):966-72. doi: 10.1016/S0006-3495(94)80562-4.

Abstract

In the present work we show that diffusion cannot provide the observed fast discharge of neurotransmitter from a synaptic vesicle during neurotransmitter release, mainly because it is not sufficiently rapid nor is it sufficiently temperature-dependent. Modeling the discharge from the vesicle into the cleft as a continuous point source, we have determined that discharge should occur in 50-75 microseconds, to provide the observed high concentrations of transmitter at the critical zone.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biophysical Phenomena
  • Biophysics
  • Diffusion
  • Models, Neurological
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / metabolism*
  • Presynaptic Terminals / metabolism
  • Quantum Theory
  • Synapses / metabolism*
  • Synaptic Vesicles / metabolism
  • Temperature
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Neurotransmitter Agents