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Science 10 September 1976:
Vol. 193. no. 4257, pp. 1023 - 1025
DOI: 10.1126/science.7839
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Articles

Science, Vol 193, Issue 4257, 1023-1025
Copyright © 1976 by American Association for the Advancement of Science

articles

Modulation of synaptic transmitter release by repetitive postsynaptic action potentials

FF Weight and SD Erulkar

The effect of repetitive action potentials in the postsynaptic axon on the release of synaptic transmitter from the presynaptic terminal was investigated at the squid giant synapse. Repetitive antidromic stimulation of the postsynaptic axon resulted in a reduction in the excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP). The reduction in transmitter release was accompanied by a decrease in the presynaptic spike after-hyperpolarization (AH). Increasing the concentration of extracellular potassium ions also reduced the EPSP and decreased the amplitude of the presynaptic spike AH. The reduction in transmitter release resulting from repetitive postsynaptic impulses is attributed to the accumulation of extracellular potassium ions. It is proposed that the accumulation of extracellular potassium ions resulting from repetitive postsynaptic activity may modulate synaptic transmission and function as an integrative mechanism in the nervous system.


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