Targeting of Peptidergic Vesicles in Cotransmitting Terminals

In the present study, we examined the targeting of neuropeptide-containing vesicles in terminals of neurons that release both neuropeptides and classical transmitters. Single neurons were electrically stimulated with patterns of activity that were recorded in freely behaving animals. The amount of p...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Journal of neuroscience 2001-02, Vol.21 (3), p.127-RC127
Main Authors: Karhunen, Tuula, Vilim, Ferdinand S, Alexeeva, Vera, Weiss, Klaudiusz R, Church, Paul J
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Aplysia
Electric Stimulation
In Vitro Techniques
Microscopy, Immunoelectron
Motor Neurons - cytology
Motor Neurons - metabolism
Neuromuscular Junction - metabolism
Neuropeptides - analysis
Neuropeptides - metabolism
Neurotransmitter Agents - metabolism
Presynaptic Terminals - metabolism
Presynaptic Terminals - ultrastructure
Radioimmunoassay
Rapid Communication
Secretory Vesicles - metabolism
Secretory Vesicles - ultrastructure
Synaptic Transmission - physiology
Synaptic Vesicles - metabolism
Synaptic Vesicles - ultrastructure
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Summary:In the present study, we examined the targeting of neuropeptide-containing vesicles in terminals of neurons that release both neuropeptides and classical transmitters. Single neurons were electrically stimulated with patterns of activity that were recorded in freely behaving animals. The amount of peptide release was measured biochemically using a radioimmunoassay, and the targeting of peptidergic vesicles was quantified using immunoelectronmicroscopy. Repeated electrical stimulation of single neurons produced a very large increase in peptide release. Peptide release is paralleled by a twofold increase in the number of peptidergic vesicles docked at the portion of the terminal membrane that is away from the target muscle. This is in stark contrast to cholinergic vesicles, which aggregate at, and are released from the conventional release sites in close apposition to the muscle. This differential targeting of cholinergic and peptidergic vesicles may play a significant role in the distinct release requirements and spatial and temporal characteristics of the actions of conventional and peptidergic transmitters.
ISSN:0270-6474
1529-2401
DOI:10.1523/jneurosci.21-03-j0005.2001