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Vesicular release probability sets the strength of individual Schaffer collateral synapses
Céline D Dürst1,2, J Simon Wiegert1,3, Christian Schulze1
1Institute for Synaptic Physiology, Center for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg (ZMNH), 20251, Hamburg, Germany.
Nature Communications
|October 17, 2022
Summary
Neurotransmitter release relies on vesicle release probability (pves), which varies between individual boutons. This study quantifies these differences, revealing bouton potency correlates with pves.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Synaptic Transmission
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Brain information processing relies on regulated quantal neurotransmitter release.
- Presynaptic boutons vary in docked vesicle numbers, but release probability (pves) heterogeneity is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if neurotransmitter release probability (pves) varies among individual presynaptic boutons.
- To quantify quantal release parameters (N, pves, q) at Schaffer collateral synapses.
Main Methods:
- Optically measured evoked transmitter release at individual Schaffer collateral synapses.
- Utilized the genetically encoded glutamate sensor iGluSnFR.
- Fitted binomial models to response amplitude distributions under varying calcium concentrations.
Main Results:
- Schaffer collateral boutons exhibit heterogeneous vesicular release probability (pves).
- Boutons typically release single vesicles at low pves and switch to multivesicular release in high calcium.
- Bouton potency strongly correlates with pves, while vesicle number impacts output mainly at high pves.
Conclusions:
- Vesicular release probability (pves) is a key determinant of individual bouton potency.
- Synaptic output is modulated by both pves and the number of releasable vesicles, depending on calcium levels.
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