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Related Concept Videos

The Synapse02:47

The Synapse

135.8K
Neurons communicate with one another by passing on their electrical signals to other neurons. A synapse is the location where two neurons meet to exchange signals. At the synapse, the neuron that sends the signal is called the presynaptic cell, while the neuron that receives the message is called the postsynaptic cell. Note that most neurons can be both presynaptic and postsynaptic, as they both transmit and receive information.
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Overview of Synapses01:25

Overview of Synapses

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A synapse is a specialized structure where two neurons connect, allowing them to pass an electrical or chemical signal to another neuron. It is the point of communication between neurons. The term "synapse" is derived from the Greek word "synapsis," which means "conjunction." The entire process of neural communication revolves around the synapse. When activated, a neuron releases chemicals known as neurotransmitters into the synapse. These neurotransmitters cross the synapse and bind to...
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Chemical Synapses01:26

Chemical Synapses

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Chemical synapses are specialized sites between two neurons or between a neuron and a non-neuronal cell like a muscle, glandular or sensory cell.
Because chemical synapses depend on the release of neurotransmitter molecules from synaptic vesicles to pass on their signal, there is an approximately one millisecond delay between when the axon potential reaches the presynaptic terminal and when the neurotransmitter leads to opening of postsynaptic ion channels. Additionally, this signaling is...
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Chemical Synapses01:26

Chemical Synapses

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Chemical synapses are specialized sites between two neurons or between a neuron and a non-neuronal cell like a muscle, glandular or sensory cell.
Because chemical synapses depend on the release of neurotransmitter molecules from synaptic vesicles to pass on their signal, there is an approximately one millisecond delay between when the axon potential reaches the presynaptic terminal and when the neurotransmitter leads to opening of postsynaptic ion channels. Additionally, this signaling is...
5.9K
Integration of Synaptic Events01:28

Integration of Synaptic Events

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Synaptic integration mainly includes the summation of graded potentials. Graded potentials, regardless of their type, cause subtle alterations in membrane voltage, resulting in either depolarization or hyperpolarization. These incremental changes, when combined or summed, can propel the neuron toward its threshold. Consider, for example, a membrane experiencing a +15 mV shift, causing it to depolarize from -70 mV to -55 mV. In this scenario, graded potentials govern the membrane's ability to...
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Electrical Synapses01:28

Electrical Synapses

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Electrical synapses found in all nervous systems play important and unique roles. In these synapses, the presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes are very close together (3.5 nm) and are actually physically connected by channel proteins forming gap junctions.
Gap junctions allow the current to pass directly from one cell to the next. In contrast, in the chemical synapse, the neurotransmitters carry the information through the synaptic cleft from one neuron to the next. They consist of two...
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Imaging the Human Immunological Synapse
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Imaging the Human Immunological Synapse

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The Immune Synapse: Past, Present, and Future.

Michael L Dustin1,2, Cosima T Baldari3

  • 1The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, The University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, OX3 7FY, UK. michael.dustin@kennedy.ox.ac.uk.

Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|March 4, 2017
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This volume details methods for studying immunological synapses, specialized immune cell junctions crucial for cell communication. It covers techniques for in vitro and in vivo analysis, aiding researchers in understanding immune responses.

Keywords:
AffinityFluorescenceMicroscopyModelingScience history

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Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Microscopy

Background:

  • Immunological synapses are specialized cell-cell junctions facilitating immune cell communication.
  • Their study has advanced significantly with improved microscopy and molecular immunology techniques.
  • Early observations were made using electron microscopy in the late 20th century.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive collection of protocols for studying immunological synapses.
  • To offer methods applicable to both in vitro and in vivo research settings.
  • To include techniques relevant to disease models in humans and animals.

Main Methods:

  • Electron microscopy for initial visualization.
  • Advanced fluorescence microscopy for detailed analysis.
  • Molecular immunology techniques including protein expression and mRNA electroporation.

Main Results:

  • The volume presents a diverse range of protocols for immunological synapse research.
  • Methods cover in vitro and in vivo applications, including disease models.
  • Supporting molecular tools for imaging approaches are also included.

Conclusions:

  • This collection aims to equip researchers with essential methods for studying immunological synapses.
  • It serves both new and experienced scientists in the field.
  • The protocols facilitate a deeper understanding of immune cell interactions and functions.