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Updated: Jul 25, 2026

High-Resolution Quantitative Immunogold Analysis of Membrane Receptors at Retinal Ribbon Synapses
Published on: February 18, 2016
Localization of caveolin-1 in photoreceptor synaptic ribbons
S Kachi1, A Yamazaki, J Usukura
1Department of Ophthalmology, Nagoya University, School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan.
Purpose:
The purpose of this study is to determine whether caveolin-1 is a constituent of photoreceptor synaptic ribbons.
Methods:
Immunoblot assay and electron microscopic immunocytochemistry were used to localize caveolin-1 in synaptic ribbons.
Results:
Synaptic ribbons were localized close to the active site of presynaptic membranes and surrounded by a halo of synaptic vesicles. Immunosignals of caveolin-1 were clearly detected on the synaptic ribbons in rod and cone photoreceptors. However, the signal was seen neither on synaptic vesicles nor on presynaptic plasma membranes.
Conclusions:
Caveolin-1 is a component protein of synaptic ribbons and may be involved in the regulation of transmitter release.
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