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Quantitative aspects of transmitter release.

G D Bittner, D Kennedy

The Journal of Cell Biology

|December 1, 1970

Summary

Crayfish motor neurons release large quantities of neurotransmitters, comparable to vertebrate muscles per fiber. This study suggests the metabolic cost of transmitter synthesis is sustainable, but vesicle membrane recycling is crucial.

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Cell Biology
Biochemistry

Background:

The opener-stretcher motor neuron in crayfish innervates a large number of muscle fibers (1200), with 50 endings per fiber.
Understanding neurotransmitter release and vesicle dynamics is crucial for synaptic function.

Purpose of the Study:

To calculate the quantal content of junctional potentials from individual terminals and the whole motor neuron at physiological frequencies.
To estimate the metabolic load associated with transmitter synthesis and vesicle membrane recycling in a highly active motor neuron.

Main Methods:

Electrophysiological recordings to measure junctional potentials.
Quantal analysis to determine neurotransmitter release.
Calculations based on vesicle size and transmitter content to estimate release rates and membrane turnover.

Main Results:

At 20 impulses/second, the motor neuron releases 50 quanta/impulse/muscle fiber, totaling 4.5 x 10^9 quanta/hour.
Estimated transmitter release rate is approximately 10^-11 mole/hour, comparable to mammalian neurons.
Vesicle membrane recycling requires synthesis of ~24 mm^2 of membrane per hour if membrane is lost during release.

Conclusions:

The metabolic demand for transmitter synthesis is likely sustainable for the crayfish motor neuron.
The vesicle release mechanism must efficiently recycle membrane components to avoid significant loss or incorporation into the terminal membrane.

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